Motorola Packs More Punch into WiMAX USBw 200 Dongle with New Docking Station

The Home & Networks Mobility business of Motorola today announced a new docking station, or cradle, for its WiMAX USBw 200 dongle. The docking station significantly improves the indoor performance of the USBw 200 which was introduced in late 2009 as a convenient way for users to gain access to WiMAX networks from their laptops while on the go.

The USBw 200 and the new docking station are among other new WiMAX solutions that will be featured at Motorola’s stand during Mobile World Congress 2010.

The addition of the USBw200 docking station to Motorola’s portfolio of existing CPE products fulfils the need for a single USB-based device to provide indoor and outdoor, and mobile and nomadic/fixed access on demand. It also has a removable base so it can be attached to a window.

By simply connecting the docking station to a laptop using a USB cable and placing the USBw200 into the docking station users gain significant improvement in their connection. When in the docking station the USBw 200 commands up to 3dB improvement in signal level vs. a standalone USBw200 device, offering greater coverage and delivering a user experience that is on par with a desktop CPE. Improved coverage also means that operators can extend the reach of their network, providing service to more customers over a greater area without having to increase the number of sites.

The docking station greatly enhances the versatility, functionality, and performance of the USBw 200 for end users. It also gives network operators a new, improved solution to attract a wider range of customers while offering potential savings on their network infrastructure costs.

The docking station also supports the USBw 200’s Tx switching capability that features two antennas and switched transmitter diversity. With this capability, the USBw 200 automatically transmits on the antenna that is receiving the stronger signal, providing subscribers with a better connection to the network while allowing operators to reduce base station infrastructure requirements.

The USBw 200 docking station, available for 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz bands, is scheduled for availability in Q2 2010. The USBw 200 dongle is available now through select WiMAX service providers. The USBw 200 auto installs necessary drivers for the Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, eliminating the need for a separate driver CD and delivering true “plug-and-play” simplicity that reduces operators’ involvement in helping customers launch service.