SAN JOSE, Calif.-Cisco Systems Inc. announced it’s updating several products with Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem standards in order to enable cellular carriers to bring IP-based services to their networks.
Cisco’s support for IMS technology has been limited in the past. However, as a large IP equipment supplier, Cisco’s announcement is not too surprising since wireless carriers want to offer more data services, which require higher-capacity, third-generation data networks.
In a statement, Cisco said, “This enables cable, wireline and mobile operators to offer services based on fixed-mobile convergence and to deliver application and subscriber-aware services to achieve greater efficiencies, improve profitability and enhance control of their networks and businesses.”
Cisco also said it is extending support for Session Initiation Protocol-based applications, explaining that new products and product enhancements will support SIP-based applications such as dual-mode telephony, push-to-talk services, presence-based services and other FMC applications.
In other Cisco news, Wi-LAN Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Cisco halting their legal battle. The two had been squabbling over Wi-Fi and WiMAX patents since last year.
The agreement spells relief for the industry, because if Cisco had given in to Wi-LAN’s claims over W-Fi and Wi-MAX patents, there could have been significant royalty implications for Wi-Fi and WiMAX equipment developers and others working with the technology.
The agreement seems as confusing as the patents themselves. Wi-LAN said that Cisco purchased several WiMAX and antenna patents, and has granted Wi-LAN a license to use the patents in its products. Wi-LAN said it will retain ownership of its remaining patents, including its W-OFDM and Wi-MAX implementation related patents. But, Wi-LAN also said that Cisco received a license to Wi-LAN’s patent portfolio.
Other terms and condition of the agreement are confidential.
