Consisting of two connected parts - one for radio access and one for core - QuicLINK is a miniature version of an ordinary 3G network packaged in a small portable case.
Once in place, it will be up and running in five minutes, serving 70 concurrent users in one cell. The network can be expanded by connecting up to 10 additional QuicLINKs. And it can be connected to other networks easily via an E1 or T1 interface or Ethernet. QuicLINK can be connected to the public network via satellite, for example.
Philip Nyströmer, Ericsson product owner for QuicLINK, says the greatest challenge was shrinking the AXE parts: the mobile switch and the subscriber server.
The main target segments for QuicLINK are disaster zones (places struck by hurricanes, bush fires and so on), remote prospecting sites (mineral, oil) and peace-keeping operations (such as UN missions).
Mats Ahlbom, marketing manager for Ericsson QuicLINK, says it works as a stand-alone system and is extremely easy to operate.
"One box handles 50,000 users in the subscriber database and, with a 20m mast, the cell has a radius of 4km. The strength of QuicLINK is its broadband data transmission capabilities. Using HSPA the system can transmit information from virtually any data-generating sensor, such as video cameras and other surveillance equipment. One example could be telemedicine in a field application."
QuicLINK is available both as a vehicle-mounted rack version and a portable version. The latter is equipped with an environmental conditioner function to support operations in harsh conditions.
Adding and removing QuicLINK units in an ad-hoc network happens automatically when a new node moves into or out of the QuicLINK community.
Nyströmer says: "The Ericsson product is well positioned, having some unique features and a high capacity for data transmission."
Ericsson is now releasing its first product for testing the concept, QuicLINK 2.0. Next year it will be sold commercially in release 2.1 as part of Ericsson's leading communication and information-sharing solutions for national security and public safety users.
