The network equipment supplier will cease development and manufacture of base stations for WiMax to focus on IP networks to which they are connected. Cisco had truly entered into the WiMax market in 2007 following the acquisition of Navini Networks Texans for 330 million dollars. At the time, it saw an excellent opportunity to develop broadband Internet access in emerging countries.
Since WiMax has gradually been overshadowed by the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) as a platform for future 4G mobile communication networks. LTE has the support of industry players in GSM. In addition, it is on the roadmap of the major operators have already made the choice of technology for future 4G mobile networks.
Fortunately for it, Cisco can both cover the procurement of WiMax and LTE since the acquisition of Starent Networks last year. The company develops products that manage access to wireless networks, 2.5G, 3G and 4G core networks for mobile operators. Its equipment is deployed in networks CDMA2000 (1X, EV-DO), UMTS / HSPA, LTE, WiFi, and WiMAX.
“To make our decision to cease production of WiMAX base stations do not injure our customers, we provide a support plan that will help them migrate to LTE,” says Jim Brady, a spokesman for Cisco.