The Evolution of 3G Embedded Technology

Larry Zibrik Sierra Wireless, Inc. January, 2010

Introduction

As 3G WWAN (Third Generation Wireless Wide Area Network) service continues to proliferate, laptop manufacturers are integrating 3G modems into more of their laptops and netbooks. According to ABI Research, 8.4 Million laptops and netbooks shipped in 2009 with embedded 3G. The technology is evolving along the same lines as Ethernet and Wi-Fi (802.11) products. As 3G WWAN service is now nationwide, the product form factor is changing from external devices (such as USB modems and PC Cards) to embedded modules designed to be built into computers. This white paper highlights some of the advantages of having a Sierra Wireless 3G WWAN modem integrated into a PC from your chosen vendor.

What Is an Embedded Solution?

An embedded solution is developed jointly by a PC manufacturer and a wireless modem manufacturer. The teams work closely together during the design phase to integrate the wireless components into the PC architecture. The resulting product is a PC that connects to a particular 3G cellular network. This is similar to WiFi solutions offered today in most laptop computers. The embedded solution typically has: • An internal 3G wireless modem

• An antenna system (usually concealed)

• The necessary software and drivers to manage and deliver the required network connectivity

Like WiFi, 3G WWAN provides high-speed data service for email, Internet, social networking and any other application that requires wireless connectivity. Unlike WiFi, 3G WWAN provides this service anywhere a cellular phone operates. An integrated 3G wireless solution provides far superior mobility to the user than WiFi.

Embedded Solution Advantages: Ease of Use

A primary benefit of embedded wireless WAN is ease of use. This is apparent in everything from the purchase decision to setup, configuration, and use: • Single purchase and support point—PC OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) do considerable research on behalf of their customers to select a reliable, high-quality, high-performance WWAN product. This simplifies decision making for the customer; instead of having to choose a PC and a wireless modem, the customer purchases a single piece of hardware and then has only one point of contact for hardware support. The benefit of this is magnified in the case of IT managers who purchase hardware for multiple users. Elimination of an additional supplier for purchase and support means one less negotiation cycle, one less round of testing and evaluation, and one less branch in the decision tree when troubleshooting.

2 © 2010 Sierra Wireless, Inc. In the case of Netbooks, the product is often purchased directly from the 3G network operator. Typcially the configuration of these products is predefined to best suit the target customer. The network operator is a one stop shop for a 3G enabled netbook and associated network subscription.

• Simplified setup and configuration—With an embedded solution, the 3G hardware, drivers, and enabling software are integrated with the PC during manufacture. The complete solution is pre-tested before leaving the supplier, eliminating the need for the end-user to load software from a CD, or download software from a web site. As well, supplier pre-testing provides quality assurance further down the solution chain, closer to the end-user’s hands. This means that possible hardware, software, and driver conflicts are identified in the development stage. Furthermore, since no installation and setup is required on the part of the end-user, many human errors leading to support calls, are eliminated.

• Simplified Connection Management—Many end-users make different connections in different places. For example, a user might connect to his or her corporate network over a wired LAN connection while in the office, and connect using a combination of WiFi and 3G while outside the office. If the user is making all these connections using different external devices, compatibility issues and resource conflicts are more likely to occur. If all the connection devices are fully integrated, seamless management of all these connections is possible. With laptops supporting Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile Broadband ® setup and configuration of your 3G wireless connection is made even easier with the logic extension to the existing WiFi connection UI and compliance to the Microsoft Logo Compliance testing.

• Physical benefits of embedded WWAN—A built-in device is much less prone to damage than a removable device. A PC Card or USB modem is subject to frequent insertion and removal from the slot, and vulnerable to less than optimal storage conditions (either in the PC Card or USB slot where the antenna might be damaged, or loose in a case where it is subject to impact). Also a PC Card or USB modem is much more apt to be misplaced than a laptop. Finally, a built-in device does not occupy a PC Card or USB slot, leaving the slot available to other add-ons. An always-there, always- available solution eliminates the need for the end-user to install and configure a device, decreases the likelihood of problems caused by human error, and reduces the chances that the 3G device will be damaged or lost. The result is a better end-user experience and less need for support - it just works.

Performance

Traditionally, USB modems and PC Cards have been the primary means of enabling wireless connections on laptops. As a user, you may choose from a selection of laptop PC's and wireless PC

3 © 2010 Sierra Wireless, Inc. Cards. Given the large number of potential combinations of laptops and wireless cards, it is nearly impossible for manufacturers to measure and verify the performance of each combination. By purchasing a laptop with an integrated wireless modem, you benefit from these factors:

• Superior antenna performance—The antenna system is specifically designed to suit the physical layout and mechanical properties of the laptop you purchased. This enhances the coverage and quality of the wireless service.

• Improved network coverage—Modern computers are very powerful. A side effect of this power is electro-magnetic noise that can impact the performance of a wireless modem. All electronic devices must meet FCC requirements for noise emission, however, wireless communications are very sensitive, hence the fact that airlines limit laptop usage during takeoff and landing on aircrafts. With an integrated solution, the noise signature of the laptop is specifically engineered to ensure that the wireless modem delivers the best possible coverage in fringe areas. This is not necessarily the case when using a PC Card or USB modem in a laptop. As 3G WWAN use grows, continued performance improvement and feature enhancements are certain to arise, and embedded solutions have clear advantages to end-users wanting the exceptional mobility that 3G WWAN offers. This will undoubtedly give rise to huge growth in the manufacture and sale of embedded 3G WWAN solutions.

Conclusion

Mobile computing is becoming a necessity to more and more professionals. With advances in wireless technology and growing adoption, 3G WWAN solutions are transitioning from being laptop accessories to being embedded laptop components. In this respect, 3G WWAN is following the same evolutionary pattern as earlier communications devices such as Ethernet and WiFi devices. Embedded solutions are the logical next step in the development of 3G WAN devices.