Proxim today released a new installment of its Tsunami broadband access platform, implementing new WiMAX-like services into the proprietary product line while preparing its launch of officially certified WiMAX gear next year.

Specifically, Proxim has upgraded its BWA software to a WiMAX migration path, bringing Tsunami’s bandwidth provisioning, mobile roaming and handoff, OFDM adaptive wireless networking and security features to a common platform operating both off both its current generation of point-to-multipoint gear and its future WiMAX gear, which it has targeted for release in the second quarter.

While the Tsunami platform itself won’t be WiMAX certified--Proxim plans to offer both proprietary and WiMAX lines separately--the software will be the same for either system, allowing a provider to run both WiMAX and legacy networks under the same software platform, albeit with separate sets of radio equipment. The big advantage for carriers now, however, is that they can deploy Tsunami gear and applications promised by WiMAX today and not fear that those applications won’t be supported by future WiMAX releases, said Jeff Orr, senior product manager for Proxim.

Proxim is already working closely with Intel to develop a reference design system to the WiMAX forum that will accelerate time-to-market for gear based off the IEEE 802.16d standard, which was approved over the summer. Proxim is testing Intel silicon in the lab now, and plans to have its first equipment up for certification by the end of the year, with the first commercial shipments ready toward the end of Q2 2005, Orr said. The 802.16d spec requires capacity up to 60 Mb/s per second within 1 mile and up to 10 Mb/s at ranges as far as 30 miles, as well as compatibility between all manufacturers’ equipment. The fixed-wireless spec, however, does not provide for mobility. That comes with 802.16e, a more laptop-oriented incarnation currently in the ratification process.

But Orr said Proxim is already working at implementing some of the expected features of 802.16e into its 802.16d equipment releases. Though the technology would be proprietary software within a standards based technology, it would allow its current customers using mobile roaming based on its Wireless Outdoor Routing Protocol to embrace the first round of WiMAX technology, Orr said.

"Mobility won’t make it to market in our first round of WiMAX equipment, but we are already working to support that functionality in our future releases," Orr said.

Proxim today introduced a new version of its MP.11 access system, a ruggedized rig that can sweep over larger coverage areas in three 5GHz bands. The new model targets public safety, security, government and other vertical industries, allowing them to support applications such as surveillance feeds and handoff between vehicles in inclement weather. It also launched three new point-to-point wireless Ethernet bridges, all functioning over unlicensed spectrum.