LTE from Bottom Up, WiMax from Top Down Freescale Semiconductor demonstrated an interesting bifurcation of wireless broadband futures at its Media and Analyst Day in Austin March 6. The Wireless and Mobile Systems Group sees Long-Term Evolution as the most rational migration from 3G services, while Networking and Computing Systems Group watches the Sprint-Nextel path of using Wi-Max as a 4G equivalent. There's no fundamental difference in vision here; where you stand depends on where you sit.	Loring Wirbel Communications Editor
Sandeep Chennakeshu, who heads Freescale's wireless group, said he has to be concerned at all times about the power and processing constraints for a handset. Just because LTE and WiMax both use OFDM modulation doesn't make them equivalent. Uplink characteristics vary considerably, and WiMax implementations can differ from vendor to vendor. The wireless group at Freescale sees LTE as the more stable path, and one that can work to the advantage of wireless operators with existing 3G licenses. The NCSG at Freescale thinks from broad infrastructure topologies downward, and that's where WiMax has had an edge since the days of Local Multipoint Distribution Service. It is certainly possible for WiMax access to be shrunk to the dimensions of a handset, so the size of a chip implementation is not the issue. Rather, said NCSG vice president Lynelle McKay, one must look at whether the residential gateway is designed with an IP/Ethernet bias from the outset, or from an operator that favors preservation of licenses. McKay's group has followed WiMax for a long time, but that does not mean she places all faith in that model. In fact, she said that the propaganda at 3GSM around femto base stations for the residential gateway may mean that licensed wireless broadband services in the home based on cellular infrastructure still may play an important role. Fawzi Behmann, director of strategic marketing within NCSG, said it all could come down to whether a consumer wants to personally manage a Wi-Fi or WiMax access point, or have a carrier manage a broadband service. In the latter case, the wireless operator could be on equal footing with a cable multi-system operator or a wireline phone company. Alternatively, there may be a role for retail chain's "Geek Squad" to manage femto base stations, WiMax clients, and Wi-Fi access points alike. The decision to rely on LTE or WiMax may then boil down to the carrier assumptions and personal biases of those designing the residential gateway. Posted by Loring Wirbel on Mar 7, 2007 06:46 PM in Communications

This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers.

Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media Terms of Service.

Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business.