The DECT Forum, the international association of the wireless home and enterprise communication industry, is pleased to announce the availability of CAT-iq White Papers. The White Papers – part 1 “voice” and part 2 “data” – outline the current status and the future profile descriptions of CAT-iq – the technology of choice for voice and data applications.

CAT-iq stands for Cordless Advanced Technology, Internet and Quality, and is the global technology initiative from the DECT Forum, designed for IP-voice services in the next generation networks. CAT-iq focuses on high quality wideband Audio VoIP as well as low bit-rate data applications. The CAT-iq profiles are split between voice and data services, with CAT-iq 1.0 and CAT-iq 2.0 providing features to support key voice enhancements, and CAT-iq 3.0 and CAT-iq 4.0 providing features to support data.

CAT-iq is firmly positioned as a key broadband access technology. CAT-iq has the unique opportunity to continue cordless telephony’s conquest of huge segments of the world’s population, and introduce data services into homes complementing those offered by WLAN and Bluetooth. When reach, standby and talk time, cost and of course voice quality are paramount, CAT-iq is the technology of choice. The Certification process for CAT-iq 2.0 will start in September 2010, enabling market deployment of a new generation of products of various manufacturers before the end of this year.

“The White Papers – part 1 “Voice” and part 2 “data” – provide a comprehensive and detailed portray of the CAT-iq technology and its profiles. With first CAT-iq 2.0 products being available still in 2010, the White Papers will feed the growing interest in CAT-iq as a leading global wireless technology”, says Daniel Hartnett, Chairman of the CAT-iq Working Group within the DECT Forum.

The White Papers are publicly available on the DECT Forum’s CAT-iq website

With its many years of experience with Ipv6, the German FRITZ!Box manufacturer AVM is one of the pioneers in the implementation of the new Internet protocol in DSL terminal equipment. The Internet Service Provider XS4ALL is relying on the FRITZ!Box for IPv6. The Dutch DSL provider is the first European ISP to make native IPv6 available for home users as well, by offering its customers the FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN models 7270 and 7570.

Successful IPv6 test phase
Prerequisite for the launch of operation of the FRITZ!Box with native IPv6 was a successful one-year test phase. During this phase, the scope of features for the new Internet protocol was continuously enhanced and adapted to the latest state of IPv6 development. AVM, the Berlin communication specialist, once again made security and user friendliness the top priorities for IPv6 from the very outset.
As a result, the new Internet protocol is outfitted with an extensive firewall. To ensure a smooth transition, IPv6 and IPv4 can be run in parallel (dual stack) with the FRITZ!Box both in the network (WLAN /
LAN) and on the Internet. There is no need to configure current operating systems when using IPv6 with the FRITZ!Box.

IPv6 - the future of the Internet
When seen from the network standpoint, IPv6 is almost like a completely new Internet. In the future, users will not only be given a unique IP address for their entire network by their Internet Service Provider, they will also have complete subnets with many public IP addresses, meaning that every terminal device will have a unique address. Existing services like P2P, VPN or videoconferencing will be easier and a number of new applications will be possible.
IPv6 doesn't just offer more flexibility, it has also become a necessity because IP addresses for the current Internet protocol IPv4 are in short supply. It is already the case that mobile network operators can no longer offer private users public IPv4 addresses.

Ikanos Communications announced that that AVM, Germany’s leading manufacturer of broadband network equipment, has selected Ikanos’ Fusiv® Vx180 communications processor for integration into its most advanced family of multimedia home gateways. The Ikanos-based FRITZ!Box family of home gateways will be deployed in Germany and throughout Europe in IP-enabled multi-service A/VDSL access networks, enabling advanced services such as digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT), dual-band concurrent 802.11n wireless LAN communications, network storage and multi-channel high-definition IPTV.

Ikanos’ Fusiv Vx180 is a low-power, single-chip communications processor that incorporates a MIPS-based™ CPU core capable of 500 MHz processing speeds, digital signal processor (DSP)-based VoIP capabilities and security. The Fusiv Vx180 offers advanced processing power, wire speed performance and best-in-class quality of service (QoS), and it easily integrates with home networking technologies, such as MoCA™, Home PNA™, HomePlug® and 802.11a/b/g/n. This integration enables service providers to deploy new offerings, including IPTV, more cost effectively; allows consumer electronics manufacturers to network all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and greatly simplifies consumers’ purchasing and installation processes. Additionally, Vx180’s advanced xDSL interface supports multi-mode A/VDSL capability, which reduces the cost and complexity of supporting hybrid ADSL and VDSL networks for service providers worldwide.

The FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7390 offers innovative Internet, telephone, multimedia and network solutions making it ideally suited to broadband applications such as video streaming and IPTV. By incorporating VDSL2, ADSL2+, WLAN N, DECT CAT-iq, IPv6 and gigabit network storage, the FRITZ!Box 7390 includes all functions vital for communication in one single device

• Enables Internet connection via UMTS/3G USB-sticks
• IP-telephones can connect directly to the FRITZ!Box 
• New online memory option for data storage 
• Improved security and reduced energy consumption
  

AVM premieres a new FRITZ!Box generation at the Broadband World Forum 2009 in Paris. The FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7390 offers innovative Internet, telephone, multimedia and network solutions. Thus making it ideally suited to broadband applications such as video streaming or IPTV as well. FRITZ!Box 7390 is the perfect solution for fast Internet connections of up to 100 megabytes per second. VDSL2, ADSL2+, WLAN N, DECT CAT-iq, gigabit and network storage means that for the first time, all functions vital for communication are combined in one single device. AVM now incorporates the new Internet protocol IPv6, proving once again that FRITZ! products are future proof. From September 7 to 9, exhibitor and Platinum sponsor AVM will be attending the Broadband World Forum 2009 (stand number 439).

The FRITZ!Box from AVM makes it possible to achieve broadband connections of up to 100 megabits per second depending on the ADSL or VDSL network. This makes it ideally suited for resource-hungry broadband applications such as video streaming or IPTV. The FRITZ!Box is guaranteed to be compatible with all ADSL and VDSL variants. It supports VDSL2 (all profiles from 8 to 30) and all additional variants with ADSL2+ (annex A/B/J/M). The device can also be easily used in fiber-optic cable networks, such as FTTB (Fiber To The Basement) or FTTH (Fiber To The Home). For the first time, the new FRITZ!Box 7390 enables WLAN N connections simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band. The 5 GHz band proves to be particularly beneficial in situations where there are a number of overlapping wireless networks. The simultaneous application of both wireless bands also makes it possible, for example, to use equipment that can only transmit via one of the two bands.

All-In-One: VDSL2, ADSL2+, WLAN N, DECT CAT-iq, Gigabit, Network Storage
The FRITZ!Box is well-known for its integrated, diverse functionality while at the same time being easy to use. VDSL2, ADSL2+, WLAN N, DECT CAT-iq, gigabit and network storage with NAS functionality means that, for the first time, all functions vital for communication are combined in one single device.
In these times of eco-awareness, this multifunctionality of the FRITZ!Box makes a decisive contribution towards reducing energy consumption. Separate devices such as fax machines, answer machines or DECT base stations, each with their own power supply, are superfluous to requirements, thereby saving energy. AVM already complies with the parts of the Code of Conduct on Energy Consumption of Broadband Equipment that have been finalized by the EU Commission.

IPv6: FRITZ!Box Brings You the Future of the Internet Today
The Berlin-based communications specialist AVM has already incorporated the new IPv6 Internet protocol in its FRITZ!Box. The FRITZ!Box is now available with native IPv6 provider connectivity. IPv6 will also be available for standard DSL connectivity in the future. To achieve this, AVM and the native IPv6 will use the 6to4 tunneling technique to allow transport of IPv6 traffic using IPv4 addresses. From a network standpoint, IPv6 is a whole new Internet because an entirely new network layer is created. New services, for instance, will be possible because addresses can be allocated to every end device and existing services such as VoIP, P2P or video conferences will be easier. AVM is placing a premium on transparency in implementation and has incorporated extensive technical documentation (RFC) for IPv6 to this end. IPv6 and IPv4 can coexist in the same network (LAN and WLAN) and on the Internet.

Ideal Enhancements for the FRITZ!Box: FRITZ!Fon MT-F and FRITZ!WLAN Repeater
AVM will present another DECT telephone for the FRITZ!Box in the shape of the convenient mobile handset FRITZ!Fon MT-F. FRITZ!Fon combines telephony, music, e-mail and up-to-date information from the Internet in one device. FRITZ!Fon MT-F features a large color display, a clearly structured keypad and an intuitive interface. With HD telephony, FRITZ!Fon offers natural sound for calls via the Internet.
FRITZ!WLAN Repeater N/G is an innovative and simple process for improved wireless coverage in WLAN networks. To establish a secure wireless connection, all you have to do is touch the display. The FRITZ!WLAN Repeater N/G supports all current WLAN wireless protocols including WLAN N with up to 300 Mbit/s. Using the repeater to transfer your favorite music files on to your stereo system is another new feature.
AVM is using FRITZ!Media 8260 to show Internet TV and movies in HD quality. High-speed WLAN N, a digital HDMI connection and 5.1 Surround Sound guarantee perfect transmission quality. Designed as an open hardware and software concept, FRITZ! Media offers maximum flexibility for compiling content. The FRITZ! Media integrated browser also offers access to web pages.

Triple Success: AVM was honored by PC-WELT as "Brand of the Year 2009" and also received two "Green IT Awards" from ChannelPartner, a magazine for specialized dealers.
In July 2009 alone, AVM and its products received three awards from the trade press. First AVM was honored in a survey by PC-WELT as "Brand of the Year 2009". Then ChannelPartner awarded AVM a double "Green IT Award".

Energy-Efficient Products Recognized and Honored
A total of around 1,200 specialized dealers participated in ChannelPartner's "Green IT" election, voting for the "Green IT Award" in eight categories. The results sent AVM to the top of the winners' podium twice. It defended last year's first place awards in the categories "Networks" and "Telecommunications". Once again, the energy-efficient products by AVM received recognition and a prize.

PC-WELT: AVM is "Brand of the Year 2009"
Over 16,400 readers of the journal PC-WELT took part in the "Brand Awareness International 2009" survey, bringing AVM no fewer than three great results. In the "Network Products" category AVM was awarded first place, winning "Brand of the Year 09".

AVM also took third twice, in the areas of "Energy Efficiency" and "Good Support / Service". As the study was performed for the 16th time this year and enjoys high rate of reader participation, the information it provides about brand awareness, image and brand potential are a strong indication of competitiveness.

Some years ago Blackberry (RIM) introduced pushmail on the mobile phone. This became the killer app for the business smartphone.

DECT phones seem to be very boring. You can make a phonecall, and that is it.

However both Gigaset and AVM have introduced DECT products which can handle pushmail.

All Gigaset IP-dect phones support this feature. You don't have to start your PC, as you can see your mails on your phone. At this moment you can't reply, but it is pretty sure that will become available in due time. Gigaset provides other services as well.

AVM, well known for it's routers, offers DECT phones as well. In combination with their Fritz!Box 7270 (with integrated DECT/CAT-iq for connecting 6 DECT phones), the DECT phone can handle pushmail as well.

This opens up new possibilities for the DECT Phone. Service and content providers can start thinking to use DECT phones for their services. 

When you write about technology, it is interesting to know whether there are any products with this technology in the market already.

And yes there are some products already by Siemens and AVM.

Siemens offers the Gigaset S675 IP, a CAT-iq certified telephone and answering machine, see the site.

AVM offers a router, the FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7270 with firmware for CAT-iq, see the site   

It is not a broad range, but the first steps have been taken.

The questions is when other vendors will come with their CAT-iq products. 

Several harware vendors have introduced routers with not only Wi-Fi, but also DECT integrated. Vendors like AVM, Siemens and BT. These products support the new role fixed lines will have in the future.

Some vendors, like Siemens use this DECT integration for domotics, like a doorbell/intercom. 

With this doorbell/intercom the phone can be transformed into a remote control for your front door. When someone rings your doorbell you’ll receive a call on your Siemens phone.

Simply take the call to speak with your visitor, let them in and even switch on the porch light – all at the touch of a button. You don’t even need to be at home to answer the door, because the system will also forward calls to your cellphone.

All these trends confirm the trend to which CAT-iq will be the next step.