Next-Gen HSDPA/HSUPA Wireless Products Hike Performance

A series of next-generation offerings in Novatel Wireless Inc.’s high-speed download packet access/high-speed upload packet access (HSDPA/HSUPA) family of mobile broadband access products improve user capabilities and deliver performance benefits to network operators. The four products include the Merlin X950D Express Card, the Ovation MC870D HSPDA USB modem, the Expedite EU870D/EU860D embedded modules, and the XUA-1 ExpressCard-to-USB adapter.

The Merlin X950D ExpressCard is a global, tri-band HSUPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS wireless modem. The card can be used in both ExpressCard/34 and 54 slots as well as with Novatel Wireless adapters in PCMCIA and USB slots. Unique to the Merlin X950D is full 2.1-Mbit/s HSUPA and 7.2-Mbit/s HSDPA. A firmware upgrade will be available to deliver the 2.1-Mbit/s HSUPA performance.

The Ovation MC870D is a pocket-sized, HSDPA USB modem that delivers mobile broadband access with download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps. Available as an alternative to a PC card or ExpressCard, the modem connects to a USB slot, allowing use in either laptop or desktop PCs. The modem includes diversity and equalizer advanced receiver technology and is optimized for use in Europe with diversity on the 2100-MHz band.

The embedded modules, Expedite EU870D (optimized for Europe) and Expedite EU860D (optimized for North America), can be integrated into laptops and other devices for 3G mobile data applications. These modules offer diversity along with equalizer, and both operate globally on 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz bands on HSDPA and UMTS networks.

To support the broadest possible use of the advantages of ExpressCards, the Novatel Wireless Merlin XUA-1 allows customers that do not have ExpressCard slots to use the company's ExpressCards through the USB 2.0 ports on either their laptop or desktop PCs. The Y-cable design of the adapter delivers a boost for improved RF performance and delivers improved performance in fringe reception areas.