@ MWC: Sequans' 4Sight solution works for WiMAX and LTE operators

BARCELONA, Spain – Sequans Communications announced an initiative named 4Sight that allows operators to go forward with next-generation wireless plans, without immediately having to decide on whether to use the LTE or WiMAX protocol.
4Sight is designed to streamline 4G network transition and to future-proof 4G devices for LTE and WiMAX operators. “The program … provides advanced coexistence solutions for many of the technical and financial challenges faced by operators and their ecosystem partners in deploying 4G networks. 4Sight components include a highly integrated dual-4G broadband processor, supporting both WiMAX and LTE, comprehensive dual-4G reference designs for a variety of device types, complete dual-4G protocol stacks and software solutions, essential multi-radio coexistence and multi-mode handover technologies, including dual standby operation, a foundation of Sequans’ broad interoperability maturity, and a roadmap for continuing innovation and leadership in both WiMAX and LTE,” the company said.
“For operators, 4Sight aims to eliminate the uncertainty surrounding which technology to deploy, and for WiMAX operators offers a smooth transition plan for moving to LTE – a path that allows them to continue to monetize their existing network infrastructure while planning to move seamlessly and cost-effectively to LTE at the point in time where the return on investment makes sense,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “For device makers, 4Sight aims to simplify the design of devices that will work in the complex multi-mode, multi-band network environment now emerging. Device makers will find a much shorter and easier path to creating compelling 4G products.”
Sequans said WiMAX operators that plan to continue down that technology path – and companies that decide to migrate to LTE – will see cost improvements, technology innovation and multi-radio coexistence solutions.
“The mobile broadband ecosystem benefits from the use of all available 4G technology,” said Philip Solis, research director, ABI Research. “Some operators will fully leverage both WiMAX and LTE in a mixed, multi-mode network strategy, while others will take a single-mode approach around 4G migration and network offload. Companies like Sequans are developing innovative multi-band and multi-mode 4G solutions that provide the ecosystem with the flexibility needed to address these widely varying operator strategies.”
Components of the program include Sequans’ dual-4G broadband processor; dual-4G reference designs for a variety of device types; a dual-4G protocol stack and host software; technology solutions that enable multi-radio coexistence and seamless handover in heterogeneous 4G networks; an ecosystem of partners for both WiMAX and LTE; and roadmaps for both WiMAX and LTE.