Axell Wireless Further Extends Range of Digital TETRA Repeaters

Software based repeater enhances ‘public safety’ networks, and extends the reach of TETRA base stations

Budapest, Hungary 23 May 2011 – Axell Wireless, the worldwide leader in public safety coverage solutions, today announced the launch of the BSR438, a digital band selective TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) repeater. Based on Axell Wireless’ pioneering SDR (software defined radio) and digital filtering technology, the BSR438 does not require hardware upgrades, and can be configured remotely using software updates. The launch marks an extension of Axell’s highly successful range of digital TETRA repeaters, which includes the existing channel selective CSR438.

The BSR438 TETRA digital repeater is designed to support public safety networks and PMR (Professional Mobile Radio) systems for high security applications such as Metro (Underground) Networks, or the Oil and Gas industries. Its broad frequency capability allows the BSR438 to operate from 380MHz to 470MHz in bands of up to 20MHz in bandwidth. Equally, a narrow band part of the spectrum can be selected through a simple GUI interface. Being a band selective unit the BSR438 is well suited to applications that require more than 8 channels to be amplified. In addition, thanks to Axell’s unique DSP architecture the BSR438 can be converted by a simple upgrade in software to Axell’s market leading channel selective product, the CSR438.

Another feature of the product range is the option to incorporate band-shifting technology, which allows BSR438 units to be deployed in remote or rural applications to extend the reach of a TETRA or other UHF base stations. In this mode, a donor BSR438 communicates to a receiver BSR438 using an alternative part of the band as a link frequency, so as not to interfere with local base station signals. At the receiver BSR438 the unit converts the link frequency back to the original band for local transmission. This technique can extend the range of a Tetra base station by up to 57km.

Frequency-shifting and band-shifting technology was pioneered for cellular networks by Axell Wireless and has been adopted for public safety applications following the introduction of the company’s SDR TETRA technology at TETRA World Congress in 2009. The BSR438 offers a large coverage footprint and is enclosed in a IP65 case, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Ian Brown, CEO of Axell Wireless comments, “Axell has pioneered repeater technology in the public safety market since the 80s and since then we have continued to focus on technical leadership and innovation. Our public safety applications portfolio is extensive and enables Axell to provide a one-stop shop service for customers with products for both outdoor and indoor applications. The addition of the BSR438 to our family of TETRA repeaters continues that commitment and enables our customers to meet the changing demands on public safety, and private networks.”

Axell Wireless’ digital products are based on software defined radio (SDR) technology and make use of patented digital filtering techniques developed by Axell Wireless. These allow operators to make instant changes to the functionality of coverage systems via remote links within the existing hardware architecture. Axell’s digital repeaters allow the addition of new features and capabilities through software downloads thus providing flexibility, lower cost deployment and maintenance.

ENDS

About Axell Wireless

Axell Wireless is one of the largest global manufacturers of wireless coverage solutions and the No 1 provider of solutions for the public safety market. Employing over 300 people, Axell Wireless has headquarters in Chesham, UK with another major facility based in Stockholm, Sweden. Current regional offices include Germany, Austria, France, Russia, Finland, United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, UAE and Canada. Axell Wireless has an enviable track spanning some 30 years having supplied coverage solutions to all sorts of environments including road and rail tunnels, metros, small and large buildings, and transportation systems including railways and aeroplanes. www.axellwireless.com

Enquiries: Matt Humphries, Babel PR: axellwireless@babelpr.com, +44 (0)20 7434 5550