Ensemble Communications Unveils Advanced Wireless Backhaul Solution for Current, Future Mobile Networks

Business Wire, March 13, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CTIA Wireless 2002

Booth #3273

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2002

Fiberless(TM) Products Support Both Point-to-Point and

Point-to-Multipoint Backhaul Links

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2002

Ensemble Communications Inc., a supplier of next-generation broadband wireless systems, today announced the availability of its advanced mobile backhaul solution, consisting of the new Fiberless 340 Backhaul Multiplexer and the backhaul-configured Fiberless 16200 Hub.

These products provide a significant improvement over the economics of current alternatives and enable mobile carriers to quickly and cost-effectively deploy hundreds of point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PMP) backhaul links over a large area. Addressing the requirements of both existing and future high density mobile networks, Ensemble's system provides seamless connectivity between cellular, PCS, 2.5 and 3G mobile base stations (BTS) and the fiber-based core network infrastructure.

With existing mobile networks growing to support higher subscriber penetration and new networks being built to deliver data-intensive applications, both the number and the capacity of BTS sites are increasing significantly. Using leased lines for backhaul is becoming cost-prohibitive and PTP links alone cannot scale to meet demand. A facilities-based, scalable solution that integrates both PTP and PMP technologies is the only way for mobile carriers to cost-effectively meet both current and future backhaul demands of their networks.

Carriers that employ this new architecture will have a future-proof solution capable of handling any network topology, capable of backhauling wireless LAN hotspots and capable of delivering broadband access services if desired. By controlling their own facilities and becoming independent of wireline operators, mobile carriers can convert leased wireline operating expense to capital expense.

"Ensemble's solution enables mobile carriers planning the evolution to next-generation networks to cost-effectively build their backhaul infrastructure now and grow it forever -- an advantage not offered by leased line or point-to-point alternatives," said Dave Twyver, chairman and CEO of Ensemble. "Furthermore, with the availability and low cost of fixed wireless licensed spectrum today, mobile carriers can own and control their entire backhaul network, affording significant savings and reducing business risk."

The Fiberless 16200, a high-capacity hub supporting OC-12 fiber connections to the core network, covers an area of up to 75 km(2) and aggregates both PTP and PMP links from BTS sites. Once a Fiberless 16200 is deployed to serve an area, Fiberless 340 Backhaul Multiplexers can be quickly and easily installed at each BTS. The Fiberless 340 can provide up to six T1/E1 connections (both structured and unstructured) to a mobile base station.

Ensemble's mobile backhaul solution has been deployed by carriers in the U.S. and Europe and is currently in trials in China and South Korea. The company will showcase its entire mobile backhaul solution next week (March 18-20) at CTIA Wireless 2002 in Orlando, Fla. at booth #3273.

Note to Editors:

To view or download high-resolution photo of the Fiberless 16200 Backhaul Hub and Fiberless 340 Backhaul Multiplexer, please visit http://www.ensemble.com/newsroom/photos.asp.> About Ensemble Communications Inc.

Ensemble Communications Inc. designs, manufactures and markets point-to-multipoint systems operating at frequencies from 10 GHz to 45 GHz for mobile backhaul and broadband wireless access markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, the company has offices in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Ensemble markets its Fiberless(TM) products directly to carriers and through partnerships with other network equipment providers.

Incorporating Ensemble's patented Adaptix(TM) technology, the Fiberless system is the most advanced broadband wireless system on the market today and is capable of supporting both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint backhaul links in a single platform with both dedicated and shared bandwidth services.

For more information about Ensemble and the Fiberless system, please visit the company online at www.ensemble.com.

Ensemble Communications, Fiberless and Adaptix are trademarks of Ensemble Communications Inc.