Sprint USB multi 'G' modem
To bridge the network divide between EVDO and WiMAX, Sprint are soon to launch the ultimate hybrid USB modem dubbed the U300
According to the reports I have read this modem is manufactured by Franklin Wireless but a sift on the FCC website reveals that it is actually made by C-motech of Korea. C-motech is (was) actually the manufacturer who supplied all the initial products (USB modem, etc) for the Telstra NextG network under the Maxon brand.
It appears that the modem supports 800/1900MHz CDMA and 2500MHz WiMAX. What is not clear is how the modem handles hand-over. In other words does it automatically and seamlessly switch your data connection between CDMA and WiMAX (as in Mobile IP) or is it a manual disconnect/reconnect process to change networks? The user manual is a little bit light on information.
The construction is very much 'generation 1', the internal pictures reveal a dual radio module construction with the CDMA module on the topside and the WiMAX module on the underside. Also included is a small internal battery which must be used to boost power to the radio(s) for when a laptop is running on battery.
I vaguely recall a large chip maker saying at one stage that WiMAX would be built into everything. I guess the Sprint U300 proves we are not quite there yet.
Other related posts:
Acer Aspire One Netbook Teardown
Vodafone NZ Launches 3G Acer Aspire Netbook
Mini Nukes for the Masses
According to the reports I have read this modem is manufactured by Franklin Wireless but a sift on the FCC website reveals that it is actually made by C-motech of Korea. C-motech is (was) actually the manufacturer who supplied all the initial products (USB modem, etc) for the Telstra NextG network under the Maxon brand.
It appears that the modem supports 800/1900MHz CDMA and 2500MHz WiMAX. What is not clear is how the modem handles hand-over. In other words does it automatically and seamlessly switch your data connection between CDMA and WiMAX (as in Mobile IP) or is it a manual disconnect/reconnect process to change networks? The user manual is a little bit light on information.
The construction is very much 'generation 1', the internal pictures reveal a dual radio module construction with the CDMA module on the topside and the WiMAX module on the underside. Also included is a small internal battery which must be used to boost power to the radio(s) for when a laptop is running on battery.
I vaguely recall a large chip maker saying at one stage that WiMAX would be built into everything. I guess the Sprint U300 proves we are not quite there yet.
Tag(s):
Other related posts:
Acer Aspire One Netbook Teardown
Vodafone NZ Launches 3G Acer Aspire Netbook
Mini Nukes for the Masses
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Comment by jay, on 19-DEC-2008 10:21
Who makes the Wimax chip? Never seen that brand?