Global networking device manufacturer uses Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ embedded wireless modules to provide high-speed connectivity to 4G networks.

Sierra Wireless today announced that NETGEAR^®, an international leader in networking solutions for businesses and consumers, has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ embedded wireless modules to provide high-speed connectivity for a new series of mobile broadband routers that are specifically designed to take advantage of 4G LTE and Dual-Carrier HSPA+ networks.

Using Sierra Wireless AirPrime modules for cellular connectivity, the NETGEAR mobile routers can support connection speeds comparable to, or better than, today’s wired broadband networks, offering LTE speeds up to 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps upstream, or DC-HSPA+ speeds up to 42 Mbps downstream and 5.76 Mbps upstream. Operating on a 4G network, the routers will allow home office, small or medium business, and enterprise customers to enjoy greatly expanded high-speed Internet access and unprecedented mobile broadband performance from remote and mobile locations.

“4G networks enable new mobile networked applications and extend the reach of broadband Internet beyond the limitations of wired broadband connectivity,” said Michael Clegg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Service Provider Business for NETGEAR. “As a leader and innovator in cellular technology, Sierra Wireless is helping us deliver the full advantage of 4G LTE to our customers.”

“NETGEAR is already regarded as an important innovator in business and consumer networking solutions,” said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. “4G LTE in NETGEAR’s mobile broadband router portfolio enables powerful new applications and expands broadband access to customers on the move or outside wired broadband territory.”

Building robust 4G solutions

Working with high-bandwidth wireless technologies like LTE and DC-HSPA+ presents a unique set of challenges for wireless developers. Power consumption, thermal management, antenna design and placement—all require a new perspective to accommodate the exacting requirements of high-speed services. Since 4G networks are still evolving, any practical 4G device must also support multi-mode functionality to connect with 2G and 3G networks in areas where no 4G service is available.

As a proven leader in delivering the first devices for new 3G and 4G cellular technologies to market, Sierra Wireless offers a portfolio of 4G solutions that addresses all of these requirements.

Working with Sierra Wireless, NETGEAR is developing 4G mobile broadband routers that can provide an outstanding experience to end customers no matter where they may be connecting to the mobile network. Sierra Wireless professional services teams are also working with NETGEAR throughout the development and certification process for the 4G mobile routers, allowing NETGEAR to reduce the time and effort required to certify and deliver their products to market.