GCC's first live WiMAX-based system demonstrated at GITEX

The demonstration is the result of a collective effort by Intel, Redline Communications, a leading provider of standards-based broadband wireless equipment, and Dubai Internet City (DIC), the ICT community of the Middle East. It features the delivery of voice, video and data between WiMAX based -based CPE equipment at several booths the Intel, DIC and Cisco stands. inside the GITEX halls and base station located at the Cisco booth In addition, and the the demonstration also includes an outdoor connection to the Dubai Internet City grounds some 20 km away, and supports Cisco IP communications products; proving how Wi-MAX technology will help cities become unwired over the coming few years.

'Connectivity and communications are essential in successful business and DIC has always put this at the forefront of its own objectives,' said Jamal Abdul Salam, Executive Director of Dubai Internet City. , 'At DIC, our Business Partners have benefited from the best broadband network in the region. The launch of WiMAX paves the way for our Business Partners to discover its potential as a broadband wireless technology.'

A number of technology leaders, including Intel are working with the wireless industry to drive deployment of WiMAX networks. WiMAX is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances. It can be used for a number of applications, including 'last mile' broadband connections, hotspots and cellular backhaul, and high-speed enterprise connectivity for business. Intel is also actively participating in industry efforts to standardize broadband wireless technology and drive interoperability.

'We are pleased to be working with industry leaders such as Intel and Cisco to bring the first public demonstrations of WiMAX-based technologies to the Middle East,' said Majed Sifri, President and CEO, Redline Communications. 'Several major carriers in the Middle East and surrounding regions are now planning deployments of WiMAX networks using our RedMAX solution. This demonstration gives the public the opportunity to experience the potential of WiMAX.'

'In a region as diverse as the Middle East, WiMAX can play a key role in both delivering high-speed broadband and premium entertainment to digital homes, as well as Internet access to rural areas' said Aysegul Ildeniz, Intel's regional director in the Middle East Turkey and Africa, 'We have been working with regional governments, telcos and our fellow travelers to help bring WiMAX to our users here, and this pilot at GITEX is proof of the region's readiness for this type of technology'

The solution demonstrated at GITEX utilizes Redline's RedMAX family of WiMAX-based products, and incorporates the Intel PRO/Wireless 5116 Modem Silicon, which is based on the IEEE 802.16-2004 standards.

It also features demonstrations of Cisco IP Communications products over the RedMAX network, integrating with the Tandberg video conferencing systems. The network will also include a RedMAX base station at the Cisco stand.

The network was deployed by Vision Valley, Redline's regional partner. Vision Valley has managed several installations of Redline's broadband wireless equipment throughout the region. distributor, and also includes a connection to the MEConnect stand at Gitex.