Written by Jeff Owen | Aug 27, 2015 4:00:00 AM
Latest Cel-Fi add-on provides enhanced cloud-level interaction with Nextivity’s smart signal boosters for simplified management alongside small cells, maintenance, and coverage optimization
SAN DIEGO –
August 25, 2015 –
Nextivity Inc. today announced the launch and availability of
Cel-Fi WAVE, a multi-faceted, end-to-end software solution that connects Cel-Fi smart signal boosters to Nextivity’s cloud-hosted services. With Cel-Fi WAVE, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can easily monitor and manage Cel-Fi smart signal boosters deployed across their networks. Cel-Fi WAVE provides visibility into booster location, configuration, and performance on MNOs’ increasingly dense and complex networks to help them optimize their coverage footprint for subscribers. Cel-Fi WAVE is comprised of an agent that runs on Cel-Fi devices, as well as on the Cel-Fi WAVE desktop and mobile applications. The agent is connected to cloud-hosted services that provide a wide variety of capabilities to Nextivity and its customers. With Cel-Fi WAVE, software updates and configurations can now be pushed from the cloud to individual Cel-Fi systems, or to groups of devices. Controls and alerts, such as changes in device location, can also be layered in with the service from MNOs. This makes it easier for MNOs to manage devices over their network, resulting in wider, more reliable deployments. End users can now also register their systems on the network using the Cel-Fi WAVE mobile or desktop application. Cel-Fi WAVE is initially enabled on Cel-Fi PRO systems that AT&T has authorized for use on its wireless network.
Advanced management capabilities for enterprise administrators, resellers Cel-Fi smart signal boosters can be deployed independently or in small and mid-size enterprises as part of a broader HetNet solution. Cel-Fi WAVE offers resellers and IT administrators advanced installation and monitoring capabilities for improved quality of service and performance. “Network densification through the use of small cells represents the next major phase for mobile, and requires intelligent, easily-managed, or self-managed, self-organizing systems. In addition, coverage and capacity concerns have gone mainstream, and service providers have recognized Cel-Fi as an ideal and cost-effective solution that can be easily deployed as an extension to macro coverage, or as a complement to small cells,” said Werner Sievers, CEO of Nextivity. “With Cel-Fi WAVE, we have added critical connectivity capabilities to the world’s most advanced smart signal booster, allowing customers to feel more confident in deploying Cel-Fi on their networks – at the edge or right in the middle,” continued Sievers. “This improves network quality and an individual user’s experience.”
Connected smart signal boosters for ubiquitous coverage Cel-Fi WAVE offers the following features and capabilities:
- A Connectivity Module is built into the Cel-Fi hardware. The current generation module is FCC and BQB certified, features Bluetooth LE, and can be expanded to include any of the popular air links in the future, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc.
- A free mobile application is available on Android and iOS. The application facilitates the connection between the Cel-Fi coverage unit’s communications module and the cloud service, with the physical link provided through the mobile handset’s data capabilities. It also provides a friendly and familiar user interface to the system, for both end users and professional network administrators. This interface is infinitely expandable, and will be used to drive a constant stream of new features and functions to the system.
- A desktop application provides all the same features and functionality as the mobile application for users who do not have a supported smartphone. They simply tether to Cel-Fi using a USB connection.
- Nextivity’s cloud solution is built on top of a Tier One cloud provider’s carrier-grade ISO-certified global platform. Nextivity architected and developed Cel-Fi WAVE using both applications and business logic to provide for both autonomous and directed control of individual Cel-Fi systems, or groups of systems, in the field. This enables users to remotely manage, update, and configure systems in the field, as well as to do things like set alarms or other triggers for pre-determined events.
Cel-Fi WAVE can be connected to the MNO’s own cloud or centralized self-organizing network (C-SON) system through web APIs. For example, a newly deployed Cel-Fi Smart Signal Booster can be configured by a C-SON to boost specific frequencies and bandwidths at a specific location. The system gain can also be actively managed to appropriately size the coverage footprint of the signal booster, creating an ideal coverage footprint. Additional features are in development, and will be available to customers based on their specific requirements. More information on Cel-Fi WAVE is available at
http://www.cel-fi.com/wave.
About Nextivity Inc. Headquartered in San Diego,
Nextivity Inc. develops the
Cel-Fi Smart Signal Booster, which is authorized by more than 169 leading global carriers in 89 countries for use on their networks. Nextivity’s engineering team has leveraged advanced signal processing and intelligent antenna design to develop the world’s only self-configuring, environmentally aware indoor coverage systems. Additional information is available at
Cel-Fi.com, on Twitter
@5bars, and on Facebook (
facebook.com/5bars).