Policy on re-use or republication of DECTweb news

DECTnews Archive
July-September 2002

Wavelink Communications announce partnership with Blick Communications 
A distribution agreement has been signed providing Wavelink Communications with Australian and New Zealand distribution rights for Blick Communications Limited’s range of wireless voice and messaging systems. 

Blick Communications Limited (BCL) manufactures products at their own facilities in Exeter, they are one of Europe’s leading suppliers of onsite radio paging, radio based staff protection and DECT. With features including personal duress, location identification and "man down" capability, Wavelink will be targeting applications for these products in vertical markets including correctional facilities, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing.

See their press release for full details. (PDF File)

Kirk release an optional handset docking station 
Wavelink Communications have announced the release of Kirk's optional handset docking station to enhance their DECT wireless telephone system. Compatible with the KIRK Z-3040 handset supplied by Wavelink Communications, the docking station features an integrated handsfree speakerphone, desktop charger, a headset jack and a PC interface allowing easy maintenance of the handset phone directory.  The docking station is a further step down the path towards the truly wireless office. 

See their press release for full details. (PDF File)

New Case Studies from Philips Business Communications 
Philips Business Communications have released details about a number of new case studies in Education & Healthcare. These include installations of DECT systems at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle, UK - case study (Word).; Hairmyres Hospital, Scotland - case study (Word).; Royal Marsden NHS Trust specifically for Cancer Patients, Europe - case study (Word).; and the Queen Margaret Hospital, Fife, Scotland - case study (Word).

For further details also see the case studies page on DECTweb.

Wincomm lauch their new WinDECT 2000 Business System
Wincomm have announced they have launched their new WinDECT2000 suited to Medium Office  Systems. 

Features of the new system include: Expandable capacity up to 16 base stations, 24 C.O. trunks, 88 handsets Power fail transfer, Direct inward terminal (DIT), Call detail recording, Flexible numbering plans (2 to 6 numerical characters), Internal or trunk call, Call restriction, Group pick-up, Call transfer, Don't disturb, Call waiting, Call forwarding, Night service, Wake-up service, Three-way conference call.

See the Business Systems page.

Showcasing of Malaysian made Unico DECT Phones at CeBit Australia 2002
Orange Communications Pte Ltd, the regional distributors for Digital Cordless Phones made by UNICO Technology Berhad, will be showcasing the latest models from the UNICO Lady Dect series at Cebit Australia 2002. The exhibition will be held in Sydney on 28 May 2002 to 30 May 2002.

See press release for full details.

Atmel Introduces Industry's First 2.4-GHz DECT Non-Blind-Slot RF Transceiver IC for Voice and Data Applications
The Atmel Corporation have announced the availability of a high-speed RF transceiver IC for DECT applications at 2.4 GHz. The T2802 is a solution for a wide range of data and voice applications such as residential cordless phones, WPBX, WLL and WLAN. Along with Atmel's well-known Low-Noise Amplifier/ Power Amplifier T7024, it forms a complete RF system for 2.4 GHz DECT systems.  

The T2802 includes image rejection mixer, IF amplifier; FM demodulator, baseband filter, RSSI, transmitter amplifier; power ramping generator for the power amplifier, integrated synthesizer and Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO). The on-chip Gaussian-shaped transmitter filter (with a modulation compensation circuit for advanced closed loop modulation) and a fast phase-locked loop settling time (less than 30 microseconds) allows non-blind-slot operation, i.e. to use up to 12 handsets with the same base station. This feature also enables industry's highest data transmit bit rates (1.152 Mbit per second) which is especially important for fast data download (wireless internet access) and fast data transfer to printers (WLAN).

See press release for further details on the the T2802. Also see the picture.
Also see the semiconductors page.

Eatoni Ergonomics agrees with manufacturers to ship SMS enabled DECT phones with Letterwise
Eatoni have announced they have agreed deals with Siemens, Philips and Panasonic to  licence their Letterwise product to their DECT phones.

LetterWise will offer predictive-text support for 19 different major European languages on SMS enabled cordless DECT phones, effectively bringing the SMS market into landline-based home telephones.

Eatoni Ergonomics' LetterWise is software for predictive text entry on handheld devices. Since it is not dictionary based it easily enters proper names, slang URLs and invented language. One of the main benefits of this software it that it only requires, about 3K, which makes LetterWise attractive to phone manufacturers.

Wavelink Celebrates Sale of 1,000th KIRK DECT System
April 2002 marked an important milestone for Wavelink Communications with the sale of the 1,000th KIRK DECT cordless adjunct system. Described by Ilan Rubin, Wavelink’s Business Development Director, as "...a major achievement…", it reflects Wavelink’s rapid growth in becoming a leading supplier of Commercial cordless solutions in Australia and New Zealand in the last few years.

Along the way to reaching this significant achievement, Wavelink has managed to become one of the top 2 distributors of KIRK branded adjunct cordless systems in the world. KIRK is regarded as a leading developer of DECT technology and now enjoys around 65% of the European adjunct DECT cordless PABX market. A reflection of the close working relationship between Wavelink and KIRK was Wavelink’s representation on KIRK’s stand at CEBIT held in Hannover from 13-20 March, 2002, where integration of BASEPage messaging with KIRK DECT was demonstrated to a world audience.

For more details see Wavelink's press release.

RTX Telecom opens sales representation office in Seoul, South Korea
As part of RTX Telecom’s strategy to continue expansion of its sales activities and to be in closer contact with important customers and market areas, RTX Telecom has signed an agreement with the Korean company Imega regarding the representation of RTX Telecom in Korea.

Imega is a startup company that focuses on wireless communication products and technologies. The business vision for Imega is to act as the intermediate party in technology transfer projects involving both Korean companies and other enterprises in the international market.

For details see the press release.

Dataflex release new DECT range
The new DectGem Phoenix range is a DECT portable telephone handset with built-in Managed Call Routing and with the launch of the SMS model it will be the first phone to combine SMS and Call Routing and can offer full incoming and outgoing SMS messages to any mobile or PSTN SMS phone over the alternate providers network. Typically, Alternate Carriers offer the end customer savings of between 25%-70% over standard BT call tariffs. 

The Dataflex Phoenix range is an intelligent managed Dect phone and each unit can be upgraded remotely with new routing plans to offer best choice of minute tariffs from any one telephone carrier or mix of carriers. The Phoenix allows an alternate telephone operator or switchless Brand to offer residential customers a significantly more attractive proposition than BT Key differentiation is provided by the management platform which provides for ongoing flexibility on carrier provider and routing plans, together with a number of reports to assist with customer management and provide statistics on connection rates.

See their press release.

"Binatone MD 1500 clear winner in Europe-wide DECT survey"
Binatone's Micro DECT MD 1500 cordless took first place by a wide margin in the Europe-wide survey of DECT phones carried out by 'Connect' March issue, one of Germany's leading hi-technology magazines.

This innovative DECT telephone is packed with features such as caller display, built-in speakerphone and multi-functional backlit 2 line LCD. Nevertheless, the MD1500 was the second lowest priced unit in the test field.

This news came on top of recent UK sales figures from GfK, a European Market Research company, which showed Binatone UK sales at No.2 overall position in analogue and digital telephony.

See their press release.

Arkon Networks Launches Their New Low-Cost "Non GAP" DECT Digital Cordless Phone 
Arkon Networks Inc, have launched its VS II series DECT digital cordless phone. The VS II is an entry-level series targeted to be the lowest-cost DECT product range on the market today. The VSII series will be offered in two configurations: single handset and twin handset packs. 

The VS II designed for consumers who seek the superior audio quality and improved range of DECT over CT1, yet not wanting the expensive price nor excessive features. Arkon achieves this by offering a perfect balance between an essential feature set that is just enough without being excessive. Features include: DECT (non-GAP) protocol, Caller ID Type II (FSK, DTMF) with call log, 10 entry phonebook, last number redial, 3 ring melodies, handset paging and call transfer / intercom on twin handset packs.

This DECT digital cordless phone has already received commitments from European distributors who will roll it out across the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy and Germany, under major technology brand names in 2002. 

The VS II is one of several new DECT series Arkon Networks will be launching in the first half of 2002 across Europe and Asia. The VS II will be on display at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany from March 13 to 20, 2002 (Hall 13, Stand C65, Booth #3).

See their full press release.

DECT Forum @ CeBIT - Live Webcast
For the latest news from a real person, rather than DECTweb's virtual presence, come and see the latest DECT developments on show at the DECT Forum stand at CeBIT 13-20 March 2002 Hall 15, Booth A14

Click here for DECT Forum CeBIT talks live webcast at
www.networkworld.de
14th March @ 1300 hours
15th March @ 1240 hours
20th March @ 1345 hours

Atmel Introduces Industry's First 2.4-GHz DECT Non-Blind-Slot RF Transceiver IC for Voice and Data Applications
The Atmel Corporation have announced the availability of a high-speed RF transceiver IC for DECT applications at 2.4 GHz. The T2802 is a solution for a wide range of data and voice applications such as residential cordless phones, WPBX, WLL and WLAN. Along with Atmel's well-known Low-Noise Amplifier/ Power Amplifier T7024, it forms a complete RF system for 2.4 GHz DECT systems.

The T2802 includes image rejection mixer, IF amplifier; FM demodulator, baseband filter, RSSI, transmitter amplifier; power ramping generator for the power amplifier, integrated synthesizer and Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO). The on-chip Gaussian-shaped transmitter filter (with a modulation compensation circuit for advanced closed loop modulation) and a fast phase-locked loop settling time (less than 30 microseconds) allows non-blind-slot operation, i.e. to use up to 12 handsets with the same base station. This feature also enables industry's highest data transmit bit rates (1.152 Mbit per second) which is especially important for fast data download (wireless internet access) and fast data transfer to printers (WLAN).

See press release for further details on the the T2802. Also see the picture.

Details of Atmel's products can be found on the DECT & Semiconductors page.

Binatone Extends MicroDECT Product Range 
To help with demands for additional handsets around the home or office, Binatone has added the facility of additional handsets and chargers to their range of Micro Digital Cordless. The new series, which are now available as twin, triple and quad packages all require only one telephone socket.

This means incoming calls can be transferred between all handsets and the base station. Binatone have launched an entry level Micro Dect MD 500, right up to top of the range MD 2000 with a digital answering system, all of which have the availability of the alterative combinations.

Binatone has also added further options including; a choice of attractive interchangeable front fascias, a headset for hands free listening, speakerphone in each handset and the latest backlit blue LCD readout.

The range now available for shipping is: -
Entry level: MD 500 (available as a single, twin, triple and quad)
MD750 with answer system: (single, twin, triple and quad)
MD1000 (Single, twin and Quad)
MD1500 (Single and twin)
MD 2000 with answer system: (single, twin and quad)

For full details on this range of products see the Residential Page.

COBS Teleteknik AB introduces a new system "COBS ALERT System 2000"
COBS Teleteknik AB  has announced the introduction of a new system, the "COBS ALERT System 2000", with built in positioning features in an internal wireless telephone system. The COBS ALERT System 2000, handles and prioritizes messaging and alarms in complex environment where everything from fire alarm to personnel alarms and notification messaging are integrated. The new system will also be on show at CeBIT (Hall 027 stand F38/9) 13-20.3.2002.

See press release for further details.

Goldtop 2000 upgrade their DCT107 model & release new DCT 400
Goldtop 2000 have announced that it has upgraded its DCT107 Residential Phone to include optional Backlight LCD and keypad, further details on this product can be found on the Residential Domestic Cordless Phones A-G  page.

The company have also announced a new model, the DCT400 new mini DECT Residential Phone. Further details on this product can be found on the Residential Domestic Cordless Phones A-G  page. The new DECT phone will also be on show for the coming CeBIT Conference -  Booth No. 30, Hall13 Stand C65.

New Chipset Enhances DECT Handset Performance for Kirk
Kirk have announced that its KIRK Z-3040 handset has been enhanced with a  number of hardware and software developments to improve performance. Effective immediately, the KIRK Z-3040 handset is now equipped with a new chipset, which offers a number of significant benefits. These include:

• Talk time of the handset is increased from 10 hours to a massive 20 hours, allowing the phone to operate for up to ~2-3 days without requiring a recharge.

• The time required for the handset to "handover" a call between base stations has been effectively halved. This, combined with changes to the handover software algorithm, ensures that call dropouts as users move around their workplace are greatly diminished.

• An improved aerial also enhances handset performance.

Further details on these enhancements can be found on the press release. 

Amphion enhances ADPCM IP Cores 
Amphion Semiconductor Ltd., have announces enhancements to its communications family of plug-and-play IP core solutions for multi-channel ITU-compliant ADPCM speech coding in 130nm ASIC and high-density FPGA integrated circuit designs.

The CS4000 family of ADPCM cores delivers up to 3470 simplex, or 1735 duplex, speech channels for cost-effective implementation of high-end telecommunications systems. For example, in metropolitan area networks (MANs) adhering to OC-192 and requiring 129,024 duplex voice channels, Amphion can enable a single ADPCM ASIC that requires only 75 instantiations of the CS4590 (3M logic gates total, less than 35 nanowatts per channel) along with 72MB of system memory.  In contrast, a high performance DSP solution would require over 2,000 instantiations at approximately 4 milliwatts per channel plus memory.

Further details on these enhancements can be found on the press release. 

Arkon Networks Wins Best of Innovations at CES 2002
Arkon's G24 Internet Communicator System is selected for the award in Telephony Design. The company have won "Best of Innovations" at CES 2002 for its G24 Internet Communicator System, the world's first 2-in-1 multi-handset digital cordless phone and wireless modem for Palm OS handheld computers. The company also won this award last year with with the Parafone. 

The G24 Internet Communicator System is a digital wireless communication solution for Handspring Visor handheld computers, that integrates wireless voice and data

For more details see the Arkon press release.

Telrad launch DECT Cordless Phone
The Telrad Tenecs group have released the Avanti Companion 3400 cordless handset. This DECT device is designed to provide freedom to talk around the enterprise.  

Israel Ronn, CEO of Telrad Tenecs group, said: “ the Avanti Companion 3400 cordless handset brings digital quality and high value to the cordless handset market. Its full integration with the Unite family enables Telrad Tenecs to offer the Avanti Companion 3400 cordless handset for new installations as well as upgrading installed systems. Avanti Companion 3400 cordless handset elevates the Unite family to a new level, where a digital telephone system is complemented by straight forward, easy to use cordless handset solution that enables Telrad Tenecs to offer a new set of solutions to our customers.”

The Avanti Companion 3400 cordless handset is available across Europe from November 2001. The same cordless handset with the same features, transmitting in 2.4GHz license free frequency and complying with FCC regulations, will be available in the USA shortly. The handset and base station, with built in power supply come with vibrating NiCd battery and can be purchased through Telrad Tenecs dealers.

For details see the original press release.

MNC introduces new DECT-based Internet Modem/Fax Product
The French company Multimedia Network Computer has announced the imminent launch of its WIMO product  a DECT based wireless modem.   For more info...

UK consults on opening up DECT spectrum - Threat or Opportunity ?
The UK spectrum regulator, the Radiocommunications Agency, is seeking views on opening up the DECT and other licence exempt bands for the provision of unregulated public telecoms.  At present the 1.88-1.9 GHz band is reserved exclusively for DECT but the Agency appears open to considering a range of possible new scenarios, including ones which could be good or bad for DECT.

One of the driving forces for the consultation is the desire to allow wider use of wireless to provide wireless Internet access.  Given DECT's inherent strengths in this context such a development could open up major new market opportunities for DECT manufacturers, who could roll out DPRS based products to ISPs and domestic consumers, to provide high rate web access.

On the potential downside, talk of moving to a technology-neutral approach is fine, as long as other technologies do not cause interference to established services.  DECT is actually extremely robust, with its dynamic free channel search capability, but overall system capacity would be reduced if spectrum were shared with other technologies, as was demonstrated in the Hong Kong DECT/PHS co-existence trials a few years ago.

Let the UK regulator know what you think on this important issue...you can find the consultation document on their website

Binatone launch Micro DECT telephone at entry level price
Binatone, has designed and launched the world's first Micro Dect cordless telephone at an entry level price point. 

Following extensive research into consumer demands, Binatone has created a specially designed, completely new range of Micro Dect cordless concepts. For this price category they are the smallest, just 12 cm (4.75") yet are still packed with the latest technological features. The new range comes in various configurations along with many expansion options and has so far been introduced to the UK and German markets only. Due to the instant success of the products in these two markets, Binatone was unable to supply other markets. Capacity has now been increased to meet the overwhelming demand and hence, these products are now available for sale in other countries too, from December 2001. 

For further information please contact Binatone Hong Kong. Binatone's Group Sales and Marketing Director, Dino Lalvani from their Hong Kong Head Office said, "The first step was to make Dect more affordable. The second, was to make them exciting. Landline phones have moved into their next phase and we expect to be launching next year even greater facilities and services then ever before."

Inventel launch DECT phone with SMS, and DECT stack for SMS
Inventel has launched on the market a DECT phone with the capability to send and receive SMS over the PSTN - some view the SMS feature as soon being mandatory on all high end models.  SMS DECT phones offer a route to new revenue generation for the Telcos and creates added value for service providers. The 

The Inventel SMS DECT protocol stack is also available separately. It is compatible with the Philips ABC-Pro DECT chipset. The stack is compatible with both ETSI standards. 

Details of Inventel's products may be found on the Protocol Stack Page

$20 BoM DECT Phones 
The cost of DECT phones continues to fall apace.  Inventel have announced that a BOM (Bill of Materials)  below $US20 is now possible using the Philips ABC-XS baseband processor and its DECT stack, now available to third party customers. This stack supports a product with 7-segment display, multiple handsets, caller ID, paging, call transfer and intercom. 

Details of Inventel's products may be found on the Protocol Stack Page

Wireless Conferencing with Multichannel DECT Module 
New applications are now running on the smallest DECT module available in the world, the Inventel’s MDG701 DECT module.   The module can now handle 3 voice channel simultaneously. This is unique in the industry,  cost-effectively enabling applications like conference systems and multi user intercom.

Details of the MDG701 DECT module are on the Modules for DECT, RF and OEM page.

DECT Wireless Phone Link
To be known as the Airplug, another new product from Inventel is a DECT wireless telephone socket. The Airplug allows the use of different telephone terminals in places where it is impossible to route a normal wired  phone socket.   Airplug is intended for consumers and professionals.  It can be used with DECT PBX or private DECT phone with fax, payment terminals, set top box, answering machines or low speed modems. It is GAP compatible. At present, Inventel is looking for distributors.  

If you are an interested Distributor and can help, please contact them.

Kirk Telecom present distributor for the UK
KIRK telecom A/S and Icon plc signed an agreement concerning the distribution of KIRK products in the UK. KIRK telecom A/S, is a Danish company, a leading manufacturer of wireless telecommunications solutions based on DECT.

”We have been searching for the right UK distributor for quite some time” explains Lars Kersting, Export Manager of KIRK telecom. ”We are very strong within telecommunications and it has been important for us to find a partner with experience from the PC business. We believe that KIRK and icon make a perfect match in order to be able to penetrate the UK market with our present product portfolio and with future convergent telecommunication and IT solutions.”  

For more details go to the press release.

Details about Icon will be added shortly to DECTweb.

Arkon Technologies announces 2002 DECT turn-key reference designs
Arkon Technologies Inc. has announced its 2002 DECT and WDCT digital cordless turn-key reference design platforms for the European and North American markets.  These new reference designs have been engineered with a primary objective of a low bill of material cost,  to enable licensing partners to aggressively enter new markets and increase market share in established markets.

The 2002 product line will comprise of an entry level VS (value) series, a mid range GS (grande) series and a high end EX (executive) series.  Ranging from single and dual handset systems for a new entry level segment in the DECT market, to high end systems with ultra slim and smart designs, the complete product line is designed to cover the full range of any product deployment.  Newly developed technology highlights behind the product development includes a Non-GAP protocol, Short Messaging Service (SMS,) voice activated dialing and more.

“The 2002 DECT product line is the most exciting and comprehensive product line Arkon has ever created,” according to Brian Ho, Vice President of Business Development.  “We are achieving record breaking development cycle times that will enable our licensing partners to enjoy the benefits ultimately.”

For details more details see Arkon's original press release.

RTX Telecom signs agreement with LitePoint Corporation to promote in US
RTX Telecom has signed a representation agreement with LitePoint Corporation to promote the services and technologies of RTX Telecom in the United States. Wireless Partnerships, a LitePoint division, will be promoting RTX Telecom's development solutions in the US market within the areas of Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, DECT and CDMA, as well as other emerging wireless technologies.

Go to the RTX press release.

Ascom launch Intrinsically Safe Basestation
Intrinsically safe DECT handsets have been round a while, but there's not so many basestations to match !  Thus the launch of Ascom's intrinsically safe BS340 EX basestation should find some takers amongst the hazardous industry sector.

Check out their system on our Intrinsically Safe Products Page

SYSTEMES G upgrades to provide Portable DECT Monitoring
Till now, SYSTEMES G has provided the DECT community with DECT monitoring systems which are particularly useful to help pinpoint complex protocol problems, offering a capability of  listening to all the bearers of a DECT system simultaneously.   On user request, the RP’SIM-dect unit has been modified to be easily fitted in a car for on the field checks -  system can be battery operated and driven by a portable PC.  

Check out their products on the Test Equipment Page

Siemens release Gigaset 200
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (IC Mobile) revealed the Gigaset 200. This DECT device is designed to provide value and freedom to talk around the home. The Gigaset 200 has the highest talktime and standby time in its class.

The phone has a 30 meters range from the base station indoors and 200 meters outdoors. It uses CLIP (Caller Line Identification Presentation – depending on country and network) lets users know who is calling and the alphanumeric display consists of 12 characters and one line for pictograms. It has a multilingual menu in 14 languages It has a eight-day standby time with up to 15 hours talktime.

Christoph Caselitz, President Cordless Products within the Information and Communication Mobile Group, said: “The Gigaset 200 brings digital quality and smart value to the budget oriented cordless phone market. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Gigaset 100, the new Gigaset 200 takes mass market DECT technology to a new level, where clear design is complemented by style and straight-forward, easy to use functionality.”

The Gigaset 200 is available across Europe from September 2001. The price is available locally. The Price range is similar to its predecessor the Gigaset 100. The midnight-blue colored handset and base station (with plug-in power supply) come with two rechargeable NiCd batteries (AA) and can be purchased through Siemens Gigaset range retailers or online from www.my-siemens.com.

Go to details on the Gigaset 200.

Go to the Siemens press release.


Multitone bullish for DECT
Traditional wisdom says that the introduction of new technologies (such as Bluetooth) inevitably means the demise of others, however this does not seem to apply in the case of DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony).

Multitone's Marketing Director Ron Wray is ebullient about the future of the technology. He says, "In the time that DECT has been available, we have only scratched the surface in terms of what it can do."

Nor is Wray worried by the impending development of Bluetooth to the market. He says, "Bluetooth is essentially a consumer item and does not therefore threaten DECT in the business market sector. In addition, because DECT is not network-specific, it offers businesses a way to incorporate legacy systems such as paging and other forms of messaging into future proof solutions".

To check out Multitone click here.


Bluetoothweb gathers Pace 
Since its launch 2 months ago it seems Bluetoothweb is gathering pace. The site design has been based upon its older brother DECTweb, with some improvements which will be migrating to our own site soon.  At the beginning of November the first issue of Bluetoothnews was sent out to the growing subscriber base. 

The past month has seen a number of additions to the site, including a company directory, and many new companies and products added.  If your company is into Bluetooth as well as DECT, now is the time to make sure your company gets added to Bluetoothweb, this can be done by e-mailing Bluetoothweb.

To check out Bluetoothweb go to www.bluetoothweb.org. 

DECT quietly and confidently developing to compete with Bluetooth & 802.11b
This article has been compiled from several others which have appeared on the Internet over the last few weeks. It appears that the industry pundits are finally waking up to some of the things that we've been saying here on DECTweb for the past two years...

The ETSI standards group is working to increase DECT's 2Mbit/s bandwidth to 20Mbit/s, above the 11Mbit/s of 802.11b and 721kbit/s of Bluetooth. This, combined with a much longer range, a clearer radio frequency spectrum and low-cost components, could make broadband DECT a powerful, reliable and low-cost technology for local and wide area wireless networks.

Bill Pechey of consultancy firm Computancy said DECT is superior to 802.11b and Bluetooth in many respects, but its success will depend on hardware manufacturers adopting it. "If it were just down to standards it would be a one-horse race. DECT is a complete solution that does everything that 802.11b and Bluetooth do," he said.

Over the years, DECT has quietly developed into a complete wireless telecommunications system with a wide range of data capabilities. The voice capabilities are enhanced for use with PBXs and include roaming between access points  'fixed parts' in DECT parlance.

DECT may also be used to provide Wireless Local Loop (WLL) services and ranges of up to 17 kilometres are possible with special antennae. This capability is reflected in the fact that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has accepted DECT as one of the five technologies for accessing 3G networks. However, the work on data capabilities is driving DECT into the areas where 802.11b and Bluetooth are strong.

Let's take a look at the problem areas of Bluetooth and 802.11b, and see how DECT measures up. The 802.11b standard has suffered from criticisms of the strength of its security systems. DECT uses a scheme very similar to that used by GSM, which has never been seriously compromised. Bluetooth has no workable mechanism at present for hand-over between access points. DECT has had a tried and tested scheme for many years.

Many people are worried about interference in the 2.4GHz band that is shared between 802.11b, Bluetooth, microwave ovens and many other systems. DECT operates at 1.9GHz, in a band allocated solely for its use. The only interference is from other DECT systems and DECT has the ability to swap channels to avoid such interference, although there could still be problems in areas of high traffic.

While it is one thing for a standard to have the right capabilities, it is quite another to make that standard a success in the market. The semiconductor industry has a lot of experience with making low-cost low-power DECT chips and many of the current Bluetooth designs can be traced back to technology developed for DECT. As a consequence, technology problems are unlikely to be a barrier to success.

There are now hundreds of companies working on Bluetooth designs and, perhaps, dozens working on 802.11b. This represents a considerable momentum and those companies are not likely to change direction. The traditional DECT manufacturers may seize the opportunity to compete by taking advantage of DECT's strong points and there could well be some confusion.

In the end, I expect that DECT, Bluetooth and 802.11b will find their own riches but there are bound to be areas of overlap. 


Pace demo DECT and 802.11b Home Gateway at IBC2001
Pace Micro Technology used the occasion of the recent International Broadcasting Convention, IBC2001, September 14-18th, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to demonstrate their Home Gateway product incorporating both DECT and 802.11 wireless networking technologies.  Pace used the event to demonstrate how its 802.11b and DECT-enabled Gateway Expanders provide wireless connectivity from the home gateway to multiple electronic devices in the home - PCs, telephone handsets and hand-held devices. Pace has the capability to integrate both 802.11b and DECT wireless standards into one Gateway Expander, enabling simultaneous communication with the widest range of devices.

For more details see their Press Release 

Earlier news may be found in the DECTnews archive