Range Networks Brings Mobile Phones to the Enterprise PBX

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- (CTIA, Sands Expo and Convention Center, Intelligent Networks Stage, Room 2505) – Disruptive change in wireless infrastructure is underway. Software-defined mobile network pioneer Range Networks today announced a virtualized, low-cost cellular network solution for the enterprise that integrates with existing PBXs and makes standard mobile phones fully part of the business phone system.

While improving in-building cellular coverage, the solution fulfills the promise of true fixed-mobile unified communications for both voice and messaging, bringing the benefits of 4-digit dialing and other office PBX features to standard mobile phones. The local network provides greater privacy for company communications while reducing mobile phone subscription costs, while the Range platform opens up a new market of third party Enterprise Location-Based Services and other network applications via the OpenBTS APIs.

• True fixed-mobile integration: True "Unified Communications" has proven an elusive goal for the enterprise market because mobile phones—the device of choice for employees—could not natively integrate into a business's phone system. Range Networks' mobile network permits local network voice switching between both mobile and fixed phones, as well as on-network messaging between mobile phones and other VoIP devices or computers.
• No Apps: Mobile phones now natively part of business phone system: Through a simple system registration, any mobile phone can become part of the enterprise dial plan using native dialing (no OTT software installation or specially provisioned phone required). Like any fixed-network phone, devices can have business phone features, such as simultaneous ringing, hunt groups and call center queuing.
• New enterprise services utilizing network API platform: From location-based services to network power management applications, Range Networks' layered, IP-based architecture and OpenBTS APIs provide developers with access to real-time network information, opening the door to a new market of enterprise mobile network applications and services.
• Flexible off-the-shelf hardware for easy integration by partners: The company's mobile network software platform runs on any standard Linux-based server using off-the-shelf software-defined radios, allowing systems integrator partners to flexibly design and implement low-cost solutions for a range of use cases, from office buildings to warehouse operations to hotels. The connection from the server to any radio is done with CAT5 cable, facilitating implementation of the network.
• Virtualization allows for multi-operator in-building network extension: The solution also allows for a private enterprise network and MNO network extensions to co-exist, utilizing the same hardware resources with separate virtual machines. This creates an instance of a distinct network for each carrier on the same hardware and keeps private enterprise traffic completely segregated from public "extension" traffic.

Edward Kozel, CEO of Range Networks said: "Range Network's OpenBTS has always been held up as an open platform for mobile innovation.  By demonstrating the application of a virtualized software-defined multi-protocol mobile platform for the enterprise market, we're opening new market opportunities for operators, system integrators, and communication vendors alike. Carriers can now provide enterprise markets with true fixed-mobile convergence services without costly IT investments, and system integrators and communication vendors can more easily integrate 802.11 or VOIP PABX products with mobile devices and MNOs.  I believe our software-based open architecture will attract new capital and innovation, ranging from the Internet of Things to location services and applications for productivity enhancement.  We are excited to be at the forefront of this shift in mobile infrastructure."

About Range Networks
Range Networks is developing the future of cellular networks. Founded by the inventors of OpenBTS, the company is the leader in commercial open source cellular systems. Range Networks' systems are simple to deploy and manage at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions. Based on OpenBTS, Range Networks delivers mobile connectivity for rural communities, remote industries and emergency responders, and supplies development networks to commercial labs and universities. Additional information is available at: www.rangenetworks.com.

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SOURCE Range Networks