Narad Networks, Inc., a provider of high performance switched broadband access solutions, and Tropos Networks, the market leader for metro-scale Wi-Fi mesh network systems, today announced successful interoperability testing of their complementary solutions.

The combined solution provides mesh network operators with a new option to backhaul mesh Wi-Fi traffic within the metro area. Tests using Narad’s switched Ethernet-over-coax solution and the Tropos 5210HFC MetroMesh router demonstrated aggregate performance exceeding 20 Mbps of symmetric capacity with low end-to-end latency. This level of performance will enable operators to offer mobile broadband applications and services such as mobile video and instant messaging while avoiding the need for costly new fiber construction.

“Metro Wi-Fi networks are a logical way to extend the functionality of the cable network to mobile users throughout a metro area. As part of their ongoing mesh Wi-Fi deployments, cable operators require high capacity and low latency backhaul technologies which leverage the installed cable plant,” said Michael Collette, CEO of Narad Networks. “The Tropos/Narad solution will allow cable operators to efficiently integrate a mesh network into their existing HFC plant, which in turn will help minimize the capital and operating costs of the network.”

“Supporting multiple mobile broadband applications is a key opportunity for cable providers, and this solution provides an immediate way for them to extend their core value outside of the home”, said Chris Rittler, VP Carrier Sales and Business Development of Tropos Networks. “A multi-service architecture is a key value of a Tropos MetroMesh network, and Narad’s support of multiple VLANs enables cable operators to provide multiple revenue generating wireless services over their existing cable infrastructure.”

Narad's Ethernet-over-Coax solution provides up to 100 Mbps x 100 Mbps of additional bandwidth over each coaxial cable span. In combination with Narad Ethernet switches, these 100 Mbps symmetrical links can be switched onto the coax plant at multiple points to provide Gigabits of symmetric bandwidth per node. Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides Gigabit fiber capacity while making optimally efficient use of existing fiber plant. Narad's Ethernet-based outdoor switches support fiber, coax and wireless transmissions.

The patented Tropos MetroMesh architecture delivers the maximum scalability, high capacity at low cost and great user experience demanded by carriers, municipalities and network users. The MetroMesh architecture combines the innovative and patented Tropos MetroMesh OS, the industry's most sophisticated metro-scale mesh routing intelligence, with the Tropos MetroMesh operation and optimization tools, which provide centralized visibility, analysis and control, and purpose-built MetroMesh routers with peerless Wi-Fi radio performance. MetroMesh enables carriers, municipalities and public safety agencies to deliver large-scale fixed and mobile multi-megabit connectivity for IP-based voice, video and data applications.

About Narad Networks
Narad Networks is a provider of switched broadband access solutions that enable cable operators to leverage existing coaxial cable and flexibly use fiber and wireless media to deliver high capacity, high performance IP services, including voice, data, video, and enterprise networks. The company's QoS switches and service management software, along with its broad spectrum fiber and coax transmission technologies, support multi-gigabit transport for both commercial and residential customers. Narad's patented Ethernet-over-Coax solution meets the needs of coax-based users that have voice or data needs beyond that which cable modems can offer, while Narad's switched Ethernet-over-Fiber solution provides unprecedented IP capacity to fiber-based customers. Narad is currently deployed with North American and European cable operators.

Based in Westford, Massachusetts, Narad is a privately held company with venture funding from Argo Global Capital, Polaris Venture Partners and other leading venture capital firms. 

About Tropos
Tropos® Networks is the market leader in delivering metro-scale Wi-Fi mesh network systems. Our systems have been selected to unwire more major league cities than all competitors combined and are installed in 30 countries. The patented Tropos MetroMesh™ architecture delivers the ultimate scalability, high capacity at low cost and great user experience demanded by carriers, municipalities and network users. Our unique expertise includes high-performance mesh software development, mesh RF engineering, metro-scale network planning, deployment and optimization, and navigating the municipal approval process. Tropos Networks is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, please visit www.tropos.com, call 408-331-6800 or write to info@tropos.com.