ADTRAN Goes 3G With New Netvanta 3G NIM

It's easy to think about 3G wireless technology solely as a way for laptop users to stay connected away from Wi-Fi hotspots. But that's thinking small. ADTRAN is thinking bigger with its new Netvanta 3G Module, designed to backup or even replace wired broadband connections in many applications for small and midsize companies."We bring a unique perspective to 3G," says Eric Lewis, an ADTRAN production manager. ADTRAN also sells equipment direct to telecom carriers, so it already has close relationships with them. The NetVanta 3G Network Interface Module (NIM) is initially available for Verizon Wireless' EVDO network, but will soon be rolled out for other carriers.

NetVanta 3G Network Interface Module (NIM)

Used in conjunction with ADTRANs NetVanta 3305 modular router, the combination is intended for use in kiosks, ATMs, lottery machines, and POS data transmissions. Citizens National Bank is already holding trials using EVDO as the primary connectivity option for ATMs in areas that are hard to reach with traditional wired broadband connections. Other applications include temporary Internet connections at construction sites, trade shows and other events as well as disaster recovery sites. (ADTRAN also offers site surveys via ACES to make sure companies get the 3G reception they need.)

The combination can also be used as a high-speed backup for wired connections using two identically configured routers, one for wired connections and one for 3G wireless. If the wired router fails, Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) automatically switches over to the backup 3G router.

Rob Snyder, ADTRAN's product marketing manager, enterprise networks division, says that unlike competing products, the combo offers hardware redundancy as well as connectivity redundancy. "You don't have to have a second physical line," Snyder says. This all-in-one router solution allows users to do everything from a single platform, which can lower total cost of ownership by requiring users to learn only one interface.

The product also offers removable antennas, so you can use high-gain outdoor antennas for challenging locations and implementations.

Ironically, 3G's very success is the inspiration for another ADTRAN feature. As 3G usage starts to strain carrier networks, they are beginning to cap data transfer for 3G service, and imposing stiff changes for over use. To help avoid that, "We can distinguish what type of data you send [and allow only critical traffic] so you don't end up with substantial overage charges," explains Snyder. The NetVanta 3G NIM is priced at $795, while the NetVanta 3305 costs $1,295.

It's a new space for us, but it plays on our strengths" of serving both the SMB market and the carrier market, Lewis says.