Current mobile communication systems are realized through cellular 2G/2.5G technologies. The next generation of cellular wireless systems will soon be available to network operators and its customers.

Although 3G technology offers higher bandwidth, operators are faced with the limitations of reduced capacity compared to wired data access. This in turn prevents the development of new and enhanced data services to meet the demands of customers. This inability to create new services due to technical limitations, in addition to high financial investments for a limited frequency space, mean 3G operators are not getting the return on investment they deserve.

In the past decade new wireless technologies have aroused considerable interest: at the same time as the development of 3G technologies, IEEE802.11, Wireless LAN and Bluetooth were already being deployed. WLAN offers more than 100 times the capacity of 3G for data services within the license free ISM band.

Offering WLAN based wireless access requires the integration of missing or incomplete modules such as enhanced security, seamless micro- and macromobility, authentication, billing, and application-adapted quality of service support.

Network operators will break new ground by enhancing cellular wireless systems and deploying WLAN based wireless access systems. By combining 3G and WLAN technologies, customers will benefit from an enhanced "anywhere-anytime" wireless access. High quality services (video messaging/broadcasting, gaming) might be offered within certain WLAN hot-spots, but at least a minimum 3G service level is guaranteed everywhere. Network providers are thus able to generate much higher revenues in a much shorter space of time compared to pure 3G technologies.

Through deployment of outstanding software modules, acticom is developing security, mobility, authentication, and quality of service support for wireless networks. These modules will not only allow a tight coupling with existing 3G networks but also enable network operators to run stand-alone wireless access networks based solely on WLAN technology.

With our forward-thinking culture, acticom is already anticipating the transition from 3G to 4G technologies, leaving behind the cellular constraints and bringing ad-hoc capability to the fore.

TapRoot Systems

Siemens Mobile Phones

Agilent Technologies

Siemens Networks

Infineon / Comneon

Starent Networks

European Commission

Fraunhofer Institute

AMF Berlin

Siemens Wireless Modules