Orthogon Systems released their new Gemini Lite radio. Like the original Gemini, the Lite has the same superior RF technology, stretching up to 200km in the 5.8GHz band, with excellent non-LOS capability, but at a lower maximum bit rate of 21Mbps aggregate.

Also announced is a new release of software for the original Gemini that takes its maximum speed from 33.6Mbps to 43Mbps. This upgrade is available as a free download to all Gemini users.

The Lite version sells for 60% of the cost of a full Gemini, making it ideal for networks that would benefit from the reliability over long paths, but don't require the full bandwidth on day one. The Lite can be upgraded to a full Gemini spec through the purchase of an upgrade licence key. No hardware changes are required.

Cambridge Broadband (UK) exhibited VectaStar, a point-to-multipoint system for network operators. With up to 48Mbps per customer and distances of up to 20km in 3.5GHz, the VectaStar system offers exceptionally low latency making it ideal for both voice and data networking applications.

Also available for 10.5GHz and 26GHz, a VectaStar base station comprises up to four outdoor Access Points supporting up to 200 CPEs in a 90 degree sector. Frequency-independent indoor equipment allows simultaneous management of 3.5GHz, 10.5GHz and 26GHz access points, maximising use of available spectrum.

Further details available from their website.

Huber+Suhner had a large display of both coaxial and FO components and systems. Included here was a display on the new LISA series of FO mounting solutions. LISA stands for "Leading Interconnect Systems Approach", and provides a complete FO mounting and termination system from splice cassettes to optical distribution racks.

Pictured here is the new LISA "Wall Box High Capacity (WBH)". Available in smaller capacities too, the WBH has a neat way of lifting the cassettes up to a locking position, making for easy access.

A short video clip of the Wall Box as on display at CommunicAsia can be downloaded for viewing (MPEG-1, 5.6MB).

For cost-effective networking with an excellent management system, Repeatit from Sweden have their RS/3 system. The RS/3 system is a fixed wireless solution designed for Internet operation in a suburban environment. It comprises of outdoor Access Points, CPEs and an element management system (RCS) and allows for mixed 802.11a/b/g networks.

Automated base station configuration and straightforward integration with existing billing and customer handling systems result in a minimum of effort for fast implementation of fixed-wired Internet.

Microwave Networks Inc (MNI) displayed their new Proteus range of links which cover bands from 7GHz to 38Ghz, with E1 and Ethernet interfaces. With a 28MHz channel, they can carry full 100Mbps full- duplex Ethernet.

Key features are:

• Smooth upgrade path up to 32E1/T1s in one low cost package. This extra capacity helps to avoid the higher costs of adding SONET/SDH just to increase capacity.
• Full 100BaseT Ethernet with true bi-directional 100 Mbps throughput in 28 MHz bandwidth. Also, add up to 4E1/DS1's in addition to the Ethernet without reducing Ethernet throughput.
• Narrowband Ethernet and/or Ethernet + E1/DS1's can be used in a variety of configurations.
• Two plug-in Line Interface Modules that can be installed in any combination for transport of E1, DS1, E3, DS3, 100BaseT Ethernet or any combination of data types.
• Modulation is automatically selected from QPSK to 32 QAM based on the data configuration and the desired occupied bandwidth.
• Software selection of data rate vs. bandwidth - increase the number of E1/DS1s in the field without increasing the occupied bandwidth.

As mentioned above, there were many examples of wireless phones exhibited at CommunicAsia, both with and without landline (POTS) connections. A number of gateway and softswitch devices were also available.

Enterprises are starting to incorporate Wi-Fi phones into their networks, especially hand-held ones, to provide low-cost communications to office/factory/warehouse staff. With the advent of Metropolitan-Area LANs, and the new standard (UMA) for dual-mode Wi-Fi/GSM phones, we could be seeing more of these devices soon. If you are not familiar with UMA, the articles linked below will update you.

• Article on UMA
• Article on VOIP/GSM demo

Pandatel displayed their new YUMIX 4000 optical transport system that integrates any fibre optic protocol from 8Mbps to 10Gbps. Included is an optical cross-connect, enabling efficient and cost- effective use of fibre resources in Metro Networks.

There were many interesting exhibits at CommunicAsia, and a few of the larger exhibitors chose to attract your attention in a variety of ways. A few of these entertaining scenes have been put together on a short video clip. Despite the short length (1 min 14 secs) it's still 12MB as an MPEG1 file. So if you'll excuse the poor lighting, amatuerish production, and have a broadband connection, you can select the link (right-click/save) and download it. Watch it in a small window for best results....

Regards from the InTELCOM team.