Convergence (News - Alert) is not only the latest buzzword, as says Tatara Systems, but is, in fact, the latest reality. Communications vendors are steadfastly developing new and improved solutions for bringing mobile and fixed communications networks together. Many of them, however, are designed specifically for the enterprise space, which is where Tatara and femtocell technology come into play. With its femtocell manufacturer partners, Tatara has developed a convergence system that is as applicable for the consumer as it is for the business.

 

Let’s start at the beginning: What is a femtocell? “Femto” is an International System of Units prefix indicating a factor of 10^-15 — whereas pico (e.g., picocell) refers to a factor of 10^-12). So, a femtocell is a very small cellular base station that can be used in either business or residential environments, providing connectivity between a broadband network and a service provider’s cellular network, extending in-building cellular coverage in areas where there otherwise is limited signal strength.

 

Tatara says femtocell technology is a better option for service providers than dual mode devices. Not only does it enable service providers to extend their mobile coverage — which is beneficial since many people reach for their cell phones, regardless of where they are, but it also enables service providers to offer IP-based voice and data services via an economical in-home cellular access point by being able to redirect calls to the femtocell AP.

 

Tatara’s Convergence Server ties into a service provider’s existing network core for the routing process. It acts as a SIP-MSC/IWF in pre-IMS networks and a SIP Application Server in IMS networks, enabling single identity voice and messaging services to be provided to the installed base of mobile phones using an IP network.  To ensure security of connections, Tatara’s subscriber gateway is installed to set up connections and ensure they are secure.

 

This truly has the potential to be an industry changing technology and is, according to investors, among the most exciting spaces they’ve seen in five years. With something near a $100 target per subscriber — who then has no need to buy a new $500 handset, but can gain the benefits of FMC — this promises to be a space to watch. In fact, given that the benefits are easy for the customer to understand, the only issues that remain appear to be the ability of companies like Tatara to hit their cost target and achieve optimal radio effectiveness to ensure high quality communications.