New local multipoint distribution services equipment manufacturer Galleon Wireless Broadband believes a lack of affordable equipment is hampering the widespread deployment of wireless broadband services, but with the introduction of Galleon’s new Outdoor Unit radio transceiver, network integrators will be able to deploy less-expensive equipment more quickly, the company said.
The Galleon ODU uses Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuit technology, which significantly lowers the number of components required in the transceiver and consequently lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs. It is able to maintain high signal quality through “voltage controlled oscillator” circuitry, which delivers high stability and low phase noise, Galleon said.
Dan Reiss, vice president of business development for Galleon, explained the MMIC architecture of the ODU makes it essentially a third-generation product of its kind, whereas other companies “have fairly expensive radios that work reasonably well, but are comparable to the first generation of cellular telephones.”
“We’ve integrated all the components,” Reiss said.
The ODU addresses the LMDS market, or those networks operating in the 23.5 GHz to 43.5 GHz frequency range. It features a small, weatherproof housing into which one or a combination of three chipsets and filters may be inserted. The receiver provides up to 2 GHz of bandwidth with a 16 gigabit bandwidth yield, Galleon said.
The company plans to make the product available in limited production quantities during the fourth quarter in the United States, but already has units deployed in South America.
“In developing countries, the need for cost-effective, easy-to-deploy wireless infrastructure is key to economic progress, so the growth potential for broadband wireless applications in these markets is phenomenal,” Reiss said.
Based in Milpitas, Calif., Galleon was founded in March 1998 and was known until now as Belstar. During the past two years, Reiss said Galleon has been working with its principal technology subcontractor, Northrup Grumman Corp., on the ODU and other equipment, allowing the company to integrate Northrup’s technology and ideas.
Perry LaForge, the founder and current executive director of the CDMA Development Group, is the president and chief executive officer of the growing 40-employee company.
