Next Generation Communications Blog

LTE

NTT Docomo Moving to LTE with Alcatel-Lucent

In order to facilitate that network migration, NTT Docomo has selected Alcatel-Lucent to build its backhaul network for its LTE-based services using the French-American firm's Ethernet transmission solution.

Broadband Dependency Creates Bright Future for Multi-Solution Vendors

More specifically, 84 percent of survey respondents agree that broadband is an essential service, making it a less likely target for cost cutting efforts. Perhaps more importantly, subscribers indicate a propensity for upgrading their broadband services -- or, subscribing to a service, for those currently without it.

Today's Wireless Networks Built for Tomorrow

That's where Alcatel-Lucent's expertise shines. Its LTE model is one that not only delivers on the promise of next generation communications, but its Ultimate Wireless Broadband End-to-End LTE solution is one that offers a migration path from any 2G or 3G infrastructure, in addition to a broad range of ecosystem partners with device, application, and content expertise.

3G is Still Coming, but LTE is Already Here

After all, building out their networks is not an inexpensive venture, nor an easy one. So, for many new and growing operators, making the move to LTE networks makes sense now.

WiMAX or LTE, Alcatel-Lucent Says the Choice is Yours

So, while it's clear that various industry pundits and participants are staunchly in one corner or the other, network operators faced with the decision as to which 4G technology to choose can at least sleep peacefully, knowing that, in Alcatel-Lucent, they have a willing -- and more than capable -- partner whichever path they choose.

Multi-Screen, the Next Generation Unified Communications Experience

There's been much talk in the voice communication world about fixed/mobile convergence (FMC).  Though it comes with a variety of definitions, depending upon whom you ask, the basic theory revolves around seamless integration of fixed-line and mobile communications, such as the ability to move from a cellular network to a corporate IP PBX without dropping the call and having to reconnect, including the integration of corporate directories and other features from the PBX into the mobile device.  

On a broader level, it is really about enabling a multi-device communications experience, which has increasingly come into vogue with the proliferation of mobile devices over the past several years.  But, that's really only the beginning.

 

The future of communications providers really lies in their ability to extend all forms of communications and multimedia content to multiple devices, such as the television monitor, the desktop, and the mobile device to deliver a true multi-screen experience.

 

As multimedia fixed and mobile service bundles grow in popularity, service providers are constantly seeking for the next great application or service, and subscribers are constantly asking for new capabilities, often around the integration of these services across multiple devices.  Of course, service providers should be keen on taking advantage of this trend because the ability to access services across multiple devices creates a highly sticky experience. 

 

When Microsoft launched its unified communications experience back in October of 2007, the idea was to provide the ability to access communications services on anywhere, at any time, on any device.  That same basic concept is what Alcatel-Lucent's multi-screen experience delivers.  For service providers, it allows them to deliver personalized services that heighten the user experience.  For the subscriber, it enables moving between locations and devices with the ability to access their content on any of them.  Alcatel-Lucent calls it a "Networkme," or "Network to the power of Me" experience. 

Next Generation Self-Sustainable Wireless Networking

Despite the incredible innovation in the communications space, both wireline and wireless, and the rapid growth of broadband access in areas that have, until recently, been without that luxury, there are still large populations across the globe that have limited or no access.   

Alcatel-Lucent, with its Bell Labs facilities, however, is looking to respond to the need for broadband access in remote and otherwise inaccessible areas.  Specifically, the company has launched what it says is the first alternative energy laboratory and pilot site in the world targeting the telecom industry in its Bell Labs site in Villarceaux, France, part of it Alternative Energy program.

 

Through this program, Alcatel-Lucent hopes to drive broadband access into rural areas, even those that fall outside commercial power grids, by developing energy-autonomous and efficient -- green -- wireless networking technologies that will help network operators overcome obstacles to providing broadband access.

 

The facility includes a wireless base station, powered by a hybrid system comprising solar panes and wind turbines -- as such it creates a power source independent of the power grid.  Researchers are also studying the potential use of other alternative energy sources, including fuel cells and bio-fuels.

 

"The site offers Alcatel-Lucent and its customers and its industrial, institutional, and academic partners, the ability to analyze, test and validate the solutions proposed by the dynamic, but fragmented, alternative energy sector," said Rich Garafola, director of Sustainable Power solutions at Alcatel-Lucent.  "It is also a center for people within the company and outside to discuss and try out new ideas to bring the world of telecoms and that of alternative energy closer together."

Mobile Operators Have to Get Personal

Knowing that, it is incumbent upon network operators to not only ensure their networks are capable of delivering their existing offerings, but to also ensure their viability into the foreseeable future. Which is why many, including Verizon Wireless, are already looking at deploying LTE (Long Term Evolution) technologies as a way of mapping out their network growth plans.

Delivering the Future with LTE

Alcatel-Lucent understands that LTE is the future of mobile communications, and has designed a solution to guide mobile operators through the transformation to that all-IP network. To find out how you can leverage Alcatel-Lucent's expertise to beat the competition to the next era of wireless communications, join them at the Mobile 2012 Virtual Tradeshow.

Alcatel-Lucent Blends CDMA, LTE in Same Base Station

Alcatel-Lucent has introduced the latest in its portfolio of next-generation wireless communications technologies, the Alcatel-Lucent 9238 Base Station Macro.   The new platform utilizes Alcatel-Lucent's software defined radio (SDR) technology, which is designed to enable wireless service providers currently using CDMA technology to upgrade smoothly to a more advanced standard, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), in the future, or even deploy both technologies in the same base station at the same time.   The architecture of the 9238 allows service providers to mix and match CDMA and/or LTE baseband units in the same cabinet to support a variety of technology combinations. Furthermore, multiple frequencies and frequency combinations will be supported in a single footprint, making the solution extremely flexible for service providers looking to refresh and/or renovate their networks.   According to the announcement, Alcatel-Lucent's Converged RAN (radio access network) offerings build upon the company's commitment to support multiple technology standards in a common base station platform, helping ensure that investments made today will be protected in the future as networks evolve.   The 9238 Base Station Macro is also being touted for its ability to "dramatically reduce operational expenses" through a combination of improved reliability, reduced power consumption of up to 75 percent over earlier generations of equipment, and use of common components to minimize the need for spares.   For more information on Alcatel-Lucent's next generation wireless solutions, visit http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/lte
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