CrossPATH 3G cuts migration cost to 3G services

March 13, 2005

Kentrox, a manufacturer of high-speed network access solutions, announced the CrossPATH 3G Flexible T1 Cross Connect, an economical, high-density base station access product that easily supports 2G wireless network expansion and enables 3G wireless service migration. The CrossPATH 3G not only delivers traffic grooming for greater line efficiency, but also eliminates the need for redundant equipment and saves valuable rack space, unlike more expensive solutions. The product will be publicly shown for the first time in the Tower Summit and Trade Show 2005, co-located with CTIA Wireless 2005 in New Orleans, March 14-16.

"Backhaul bandwidth to wireless base stations is expanding rapidly due to cell phone demand and applications such as text messaging, Web, photos, and video streaming," says Dan Murray, Kentrox VP of Marketing. "CrossPATH 3G doubles the density of current small, one rack unit solutions, with 16 T1 ports, a Quality of Service router and optional DS3 backhaul."

A cost-effective alternative to multiple hardware devices and unnecessary backhaul circuits, the CrossPATH 3G delivers:

-- Lower Cost Single Platform - multiple T1 channel service units (CSUs), multiplexing, and IP QoS router functionality in a single, compact-footprint platform for lower hardware and backhaul costs.

-- Higher Port Capacity - only base station access product providing 16 T1 ports in one rack unit (1RU); data port for E911 connectivity; four-port Ethernet switch; and optional DS3.

-- Built-in 3G Migration Path - simultaneous support of 2G and 3G services; transparent backhaul of ATM traffic from 3G radios; Quality of Service (QoS) router for 3G Ethernet radio traffic; and 3G services via T1 and Ethernet.

-- Easier to Install, Maintain - embedded web graphical user interface (GUI) for point-and-click cross connect capabilities; standards-based to minimize field technician retraining; built-in diagnostics to improve network uptime; in-band access for remote management; easy, front-panel access to all ports and LEDs, and best-in-class lightning protection.

"Today, wireless carriers' growth requires higher density solutions in a smaller size, more features at lower cost, and network migration that's easier to use," notes Murray. "CrossPATH 3G not only doubles the density of small 1RU solutions, but it also lowers costs, potentially saving thousands of dollars per base station."

Pricing and Availability

The CrossPATH 3G will be available in three models, all of which include V.35 serial port and four 10/100 Ethernet ports, at these list prices:

-- CrossPATH 3G 8-port Flexible T1 Cross Connect $4,000.00

-- CrossPATH 3G 16-port Flexible T1 Cross Connect $5,000.00

-- CrossPATH 3G 16-port Flexible T1Cross Connect with DS3 $6,000.00

The CrossPATH 3G 8-port model and 16-port model will be available in April, and the 16-port with DS3 model will be available later in 2005. Customers can contact the Kentrox Applications Support team for additional information. Kentrox also offers Kentrox Care Support Plans to meet a variety of business needs, and technical training courses are available.