Celcore Inc. won a second patent for its Hybrid MicroSystem technology, which enables cellular operators to implement “underlay” microcellular systems in the same coverage areas as existing cellular networks.
“As wireless service becomes more ubiquitous and competitive, the need for higher capacity, better coverage and specialized services becomes increasingly critical in the cellular industry,” noted Thomas Berger, the company’s president and chief operating officer.
The Memphis, Tenn.-based company is initially marketing its Hybrid MicroSystem as a solution for compatibility problems at the boundary between cellular networks that use systems from different manufacturers, according to Steve Chen, the company’s vice president of marketing.
“Due to the legacy technology inherent in the existing analog cellular network, a cellular subscriber operating near the coverage boundary between two systems was exposed to the risk of being `lost’ where neither system recognized the subscriber, resulting in a loss of service,” the company said.
“This is a well known and understood problem,” Chen said. “It affects approximately 5 percent of all subscribers.”
Celcore said its patented algorithms specify control schemes for managing mobile registrations, incoming call delivery and handoffs without the risk of losing the subscriber at the boundary.
But Chen noted microcellular “underlay” applications throughout the system are even more important for carriers since they will be able to provide both public and private cellular service on the same platform and frequency.
“This enables cellular operators to reduce infrastructure cost while increasing overall system functionality to provide service differentiation for its subscribers,” the company said.
In related news, Celcore announced it has been awarded a multimillion dollar contract to expand the PT. Komunikasi Selular Indonesia cellular network. Initially, the network expansion project will provide cellular service to seven cities on the island of Sumatra, the company said.
