In line with its strategy to connect just about anything that can be connected, Ericsson is supplying mobile broadband module technology to Netgear.
Called the Netgear MBRN3300E 3G Mobile Broadband Router, the product combines HSPA technology with 802.11n wireless and Ethernet LAN.
Ericsson says mobile broadband connectivity over HSPA in routers opens up new opportunities in yet-untapped home, small office/home office and semi-nomadic user environments. It's ideal for locations that lack wired infrastructure, as well as an alternative to DSL or fiber and can work on mass transit like trains or buses, says Jan Backman, director of marketing for Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules.
Backman describes its as a "win-win" collaboration. Netgear has an established brand and channels to the small and medium business market while Ericsson has operator relationships.
The new router sports 270 Mbps on the WLAN side and a full-featured firewall. It also allows fast large file downloads and real time media playback of digital movies, photos and MP3s. "It's a network in a box," he says.
The new router with 3G radio will be showcased at Ericsson's exhibition area at Hall 6, La Fira during the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.
In other news, Backman says Ericsson's latest embedded broadband module for HSPA+ will ship in the fourth quarter. It's more energy efficient, achieves three times the speed, features wake-on wireless and operates at half the temperature of previous modules. That lower temperature means a computer won't run as hot; high temperatures can kill components over time.
Backman says about 40 networks around the world already have gone to HSPA+, and that number is quickly growing. He says Ericsson's module is well timed considering the lead time for products.
Ericsson is of the belief that a lot more products can benefit from its connectivity modules, including media players and personal navigation devices.