New In 2009: 4G Networks

3G is alright but we’re looking forward to even faster 4G wireless networks soon. Intel-backed WiMax launched in a few locales by carriers Sprint and ClearWire. The wide-area network currently promises peaks of 10 megabits per second but on paper it’s capable of over 70. We will likely see slow but steady expansion of the service through 2009. Meanwhile, in America, AT&T and Verizon (and eventually T-Mobile) are gearing up LTE technology. The Nokia-driven GSM-based “Long Term Evolution” may actually whomp WiMax with download speeds of over 300Mbps, though its presence probably won’t be felt in the US before 2010.

In October 2007, Marvell announced the availability of the LG-KC1 smartphone with the Marvell PXA 320 application processor on Korea Telecom’s high speed WiBro 4G network.

The Marvell PXA 320 application processor (Internally code named Monahans) with XScale technology, enables high-end graphics, gaming and multimedia capabilities for the LG-KCI as well as delivering optimal business applications while consuming ultra-low levels of power.

“The new LG-KC1 is designed to offer the advanced functions of a smartphone, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity, and outstanding multimedia capabilities with an attractive slim design,” said Mr. JJ Lee, DMP Lab Vice President & PC Division General Manager, Digital Media Company, for LG Electronics. “Marvell’s PXA 320 application processor is designed to allow superb gaming and multimedia functions such as movies and 4G mobile internet while enabling users to synchronize their email and calendars with their PC over the high speed WiBro 4G network.”

The LG-KC1 boasts wireless internet capabilities using the WiBro 4G network, terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) for mobile television, two-megapixel camera and Bluetooth functions. “The new LG-KC1 is an exciting product that will provide a seamless mobile experience for both business functionality as well as unparalleled gaming and multimedia performance for consumers,” said Sam Arditi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Marvell’s Cellular and Handheld Business Group.

“We are excited that LG Electronics has chosen our new PXA 320 application processor to provide optimal performance, power savings, for unrivaled multimedia experience for their customers.” The Marvell PXA 320 application processor family is designed for a balance of high performance and low-power efficiency and offers a broad roadmap that is architecturally consistent for maximum software reuse. Marvell silicon provides headroom for advanced applications with intelligent power management allowing manufacturers to differentiate current and future offerings. All PXA 320 products feature frequency scalability to allow advanced power and performance. Marvell’s diverse product portfolio includes switching, transceiver, communications controller, wireless and storage solutions that power the entire communications infrastructure including enterprise, metro, home and storage networking.