Agilent Targets WiMax

BARCELONA -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced a measurement receiver for Mobile WiMAX, extending the technology support of its existing drive test receiver platform. This Agilent receiver enables network equipment manufacturers and wireless operators' RF engineering teams to effectively deploy, optimize and troubleshoot Mobile WiMAX networks by quickly identifying coverage and interference problems. The Agilent W1314A platform has options to support GSM, UMTS, IS95, cdma2000, 1xEVDO, iDEN and WiMAX(tm) technologies.

As WiMAX technology matures and more advanced network designs are realized, it is important to maximize the effectiveness of drive-test teams by providing them the ability to quickly and accurately collect RF measurement data. The new receiver integrates with the industry-leading Agilent E6474A network optimization software to provide a core of RF coverage data, technology-specific interference and optimization measurements.

"As Mobile WiMAX begins to compete head on with other 3G and 3.5G technologies, there is even greater need to validate the network design and performance targets as quickly as possible," said Jonathan Dunbar, general manager of Agilent's Drive Test business. "Unlike a standard Mobile WiMAX subscriber device, the network independent receiver measurements enable users to clearly see individual sector coverage areas and validate that they meet the design criteria."

In a separate release:

BARCELONA -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and Runcom Technologies Ltd. today announced they will extend their WiMAX(tm) collaboration to include Mobile WiMAX Wave 2 Protocol Test.

All WiMAX(tm) devices must undergo protocol conformance test (PCT) to become certified for use. To realize the promise of interoperability, the WiMAX industry relies on traceable and effective protocol test solutions. The assurance of interoperability between WiMAX reference designs and protocol test equipment creates customer confidence and enables industry growth.

Agilent and Runcom will ensure that their customers can confidently use Runcom Mobile WiMAX reference designs with Agilent protocol test systems. Both companies will verify that their designs are faithful implementations of the relevant standards, bringing robust solutions to the market.

The Agilent N6430A WiMAX Protocol Conformance Test and Development Solution, based on Agilent's E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set, is undergoing pre-validation testing at a WiMAX Forum(r) testing laboratory using mobile terminals and base stations that use Runcom Mobile WiMAX chips.

"We are very enthusiastic about the development of a PCT partnership with Runcom," said C. J. Meurell, European operations general manager for Agilent's Mobile Broadband Division's WiMAX/WLAN portfolio. "Our relationship will accelerate the progress of both companies as we move ahead with Mobile WiMAX Wave 2. Runcom has been a pioneer of WiMAX and we feel fortunate to be able to partner with them on the development of PCT."

In an additional release:

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the availability of its Chipset Control Software, included with the Agilent One-Box Wireless Networking Test Set, for WiMAX devices based on the Sequans SQN1130 Wave 2 chipset. This combination creates an extremely fast, accurate and stable measurement solution that enables highly optimized WiMAX chipset calibration and verification for volume production testing.

"Our customers are eager to see their SQN1130-based WiMAX devices come to market quickly and welcome our active participation in helping them accomplish this goal," said Bernard Aboussouan, vice president of marketing and business development for Sequans. "Agilent is a leader in the wireless test industry and its WiMAX expertise and measurement solutions have been crucial in helping ensure our customers realize the shortest test times possible."

"Today's manufacturer is faced with a key challenge -- getting its products to market ahead of the competition, while at the same time protecting profit potential and ensuring the shortest possible test times," said C.J. Meurell, European operations general manager for Agilent's Mobile Broadband Division's WiMAX portfolio. "Through collaboration with Sequans on its calibration and verification test plans, we have been able to effectively optimize test times for the production line. For the manufacturer, the result of those efforts is clear: a highly accurate and fast solution that enables them to quickly and easily perform calibration and verification testing for their high-volume production lines."

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A)