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Aug. 23, 2008

The broad availability of open source standardization and testing tools is growing constantly.

The Wi-MAX Forum and the privately owned Berkeley Varitronics Systems both announced new development tools yesterday.

A simulator is now available from the Wi-MAX Forum. If member companies all use the same tools, then wireless system engineers can make fair tests and publish accurate comparisons in technical papers, officials explained.

The open source simulator can help test various algorithms and technical solutions for applications, network planning, capacity evaluation and product testing.

Working group chairman Tom Tofigh said “the Wi-MAX Forum Application Working Group worked with industrial partners, academia and research institutes to develop this open source system level simulator.”

“Overall, more than 200 people pre-registered for access to the application,” the Forum noted.

But it still isn't clear if access to the simulator is currently being limited to any specific Forum members or if any organization can download and use it.

Tofigh could not be reached for comment yesterday.

At the same time, Berkeley announced a wireless developer's kit for its Yellow-Fin product series.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) development kit includes a calibrated mobile Wi-MAX receiver and DLL (dynamic link library) software.

Developers can now check for interference and analyze packet traffic on spectrums from 2.0 GHz to 5.9 GHz using Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, ISM, public safety, Bluetooth and other technologies.

The open source tester includes Ethernet and mini-USB ports. It is available now, officials said.

Lately, there's been a rapidly growing number of companies joining the open source model, including Motorola and Nokia. Industry observers expect the trend to continue.

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Source: The Wi-MAX Forum.