MIPS processor cores power Ceragon Networks' next generation multi-core packet radio

FibeAir® IP-20C aims to set new standard in microwave transmission by delivering multi-Gbps anywhere

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, Barcelona, Spain – February 25th, 2013 – Imagination Technologies (IMG.L), a leading multimedia, processor, communications and cloud technologies company, announces that Ceragon Networks Ltd, the #1 wireless backhaul specialist, is leveraging MIPS® microprocessor cores* in its latest generation of packet radio solutions.

Ceragon’s new FibeAir® IP-20C targets the unique demands of 4G/LTE-A networks, leveraging breakthrough multi-core technology that employs a parallel radio processing engine to deliver up to four times the capacity of existing solutions.

The FibeAir IP-20C is a flexible software defined radio that can be configured for optimized performance in a wide range of cost-effective deployment scenarios, including macrocell backhaul, small-cell aggregation and emerging fronthaul applications. As a result of its high radio throughput, low latency and flexibility, the FibeAir IP-20C can address high-capacity hauling scenarios previously thought to be impractical to implement with microwave. Ceragon’s innovative distributed CPU architecture, based on Imagination’s multi-threaded MIPS technology, facilitates this rich functionality of the FibeAir IP-20C’s radio and networking capabilities.

Says Hagai Zyss, EVP of Global Products at Ceragon: “We are delighted with the seamless integration of Imagination’s MIPS CPU technology within our architecture. Their ability to support our design goals with easy-to-use, compact, low power and high computing performance is aligned with Ceragon’s programmable radio technologies and is part of what enables us to deliver a solution that effectively increases existing capacity barriers and allows carriers to deliver multiple gigabits of data on a single frequency channel.”

Says Tony King-Smith, EVP marketing, Imagination Technologies: “Ceragon is an innovative vertically- integrated company with impressive chip design capabilities. We are delighted that it has selected MIPS as a CPU architecture of choice for its FibeAir IP-20C. The MIPS architecture is leveraged broadly across wireless and cellular infrastructure equipment, in applications ranging from mobile radio access applications such as IP backhaul, femtocells, picocells and macrocells to WLAN applications such as residential and enterprise access points and routers. Its scalable, high-performance, low-power and cost- effective design make MIPS an ideal fit for these and a wide range of other applications.” 

Mobile network carriers today must handle a massive amount of data traffic, driven largely by growth in consumer usage of services such as streaming video and online gaming. According to the February 2013 Cisco VNI Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast, by 2017 global mobile data traffic will reach 11.2 exabytes per month, or a run rate of 134 exabytes annually. The forecast also points out that video will account for 66 percent of global mobile data traffic by 2017.**

To address the surge in capacity demand, carriers are adopting new technologies such as 4G/LTE-A, C- RAN, and small cells, which have given rise to heterogeneous networks (HetNets). The FibeAir IP-20C is the first implementation of Ceragon’s Holistic HetNet Hauling (3H) vision, which aims to organize wireless backhaul and fronthaul requirements into a comprehensive network solution that can be easily deployed, operated and maintained.

About Ceragon Networks Ltd.

Ceragon Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: CRNT) is the #1 wireless backhaul specialist. We provide innovative, flexible and cost-effective wireless backhaul solutions that enable mobile operators and other wired/wireless service providers to deliver 2G/3G, 4G/LTE and other broadband services to their subscribers. Ceragon’s high-capacity, solutions use microwave technology to transfer voice and data traffic while maximizing bandwidth efficiency, to deliver more capacity over longer distances under any deployment scenario. Based on our extensive global experience, Ceragon delivers turnkey solutions that support service provider profitability at every stage of the network lifecycle enabling faster time to revenue, cost-effective operation and simple migration to all-IP networks. As the demand for data pushes the need for ever-increasing capacity, Ceragon is committed to serve the market with unmatched technology and innovation, ensuring effective solutions for the evolving needs of the marketplace. Our solutions are deployed by more than 430 service providers in over 130 countries.

About Imagination Technologies

Imagination Technologies - a global leader in multimedia, processor and communication technologies - creates and licenses market-leading processor solutions including graphics, video, vision, CPU & embedded processing, multi-standard communications, cross-platform V.VoIP & VoLTE and cloud connectivity. These silicon and software intellectual property (IP) solutions for systems-on-chip (SoC) are complemented by an extensive portfolio of software, tools and ecosystems. Target markets include mobile phone, connected home consumer, mobile and tablet computing, in-car electronics, networking, telecoms, health, smart energy and connected sensors. Imagination's licensees include many of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, network operators and OEM/ODMs. Corporate headquarters are located in the United Kingdom, with sales and R&D offices worldwide. See: www.imgtec.com.