BelAir Networks Introduces First Cellular LAN Architecture; Solution Delivers 10 Times More Capacity and 5 Times More Coverage, Cuts CapEx by 70 Percent and OpEx by 90 Percent.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment 2003

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2003

Deploying profitable public and cost-effective private wireless LANs for medium and large venues is now possible with the introduction today of the first, complete cellular LAN solution by BelAir Networks.

The BelAir Networks cellular LAN solution combines the best of WLAN and cellular technologies. It is built on a patented, multiple point-to-point wireless mesh that, for the first time, integrates wireless access and backhaul. This integration eliminates crippling T1 and DSL backhaul costs, which have so far stifled the deployment of economical medium and large-scale wireless LANs.

"Our solution delivers five to 10 times more backhaul capacity and five times more backhaul coverage for high capacity data, video and voice services than current wireless networking options," said Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO, BelAir Networks. "In addition, compared to current options, the BelAir Networks solution drastically reduces associated WLAN capital expenditures by up to 70 percent and operating expenditures by up to 90 percent."

Current wireless networking options are complicated and costly. Multiple access points, endless feet of cable to and from switches and routers, security issues and maintenance requirements create costly deployments. The BelAir Networks cellular LAN architecture reduces costs and simplifies wireless LAN deployments.

Like a cellular network, the BelAir Networks mesh is designed for outdoor deployment. It provides wide area coverage and long reach, and enables the creation of cell-based networking solutions. And like a WLAN it incorporates an open IP architecture and standards-based Wi-Fi technology. By combining the best of cellular and WLAN networking, the BelAir Networks cellular LAN offers the lowest-cost wireless network deployment on the market.

"The BelAir Networks solution gives service providers a cost-effective way to deploy and operate medium and large networks, which make Wi-Fi services available to a larger market. It allows service providers to reduce capital and operating costs and strengthen the business case for Wi-Fi access technology," said Murray McCaig, co-CEO, Spotnik Mobile Inc., the leading provider of public wireless service in Canada. Spotnik and Canadian wireless carrier TELUS Mobility are building a national network of hot spots in premium locations such as transportation facilities, hotels, conference centers, commercial properties and cafes. McCaig referred to the BelAir Networks solution at the Wireless Industry Congress 2003 in September.

The products that comprise a complete BelAir Networks mesh include outdoor platforms, indoor nodes that provide interconnection to the wired network and network management software. As part of the launch, BelAir Networks unveiled the BelAir200, its first outdoor product.

The BelAir200 is designed to beam signals into buildings from the outside. It is built around a high-performance network processing core, multiple Wi-Fi access and backhaul modules and an open, embedded software environment.

"In today's environment, enterprises considering WLAN technologies are looking for solutions that are cost effective from both a capital and operational standpoint," said Aaron Vance, Industry Analyst with Synergy Research Group. "BelAir's unique wireless solution eliminates cabling and backhaul costs, obviates the need for additional hardware, both wired and wireless, while increasing wireless network coverage and capacity."

The complete BelAir Networks solution delivers unmatched coverage and capacity and enables the economical deployment of medium and large wireless networks for hot zones, such as business districts office parks, airports, hotels, conference centers, recreation areas and shopping malls. The BelAir Networks solution is also ideal for corporate and educational campuses, manufacturing centers, hospitals, research parks, municipal centers and apartment buildings.

BelAir Networks will showcase its cellular LAN solution in Booth 1109 of the CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas, from October 21-23.

About BelAir Networks

BelAir Networks is a wireless infrastructure supplier that provides advanced, multi-service, mobile networking solutions optimized for medium and large public and private cellular LAN networks.

Combining the best of WLAN and cellular technologies, BelAir Networks solutions go beyond basic Wi-Fi to overcome the limitations associated with traditional WLANs. They are built on a patented multiple point-to-point mesh enabled by outdoor platforms, indoor nodes, and network management software. Together, the mesh and the products that enable it are designed to simplify wireless infrastructures, reduce capital and operating expenditures, and deliver ubiquitous high capacity data, video and voice services where and when needed.