Avnet UK expands wireless networking business

Avnet Technology Solutions, UK (NYSE:AVT) has signed a new distribution agreement with BridgeWave Communications, a supplier of multi-gigabit wireless connectivity links.

Avnet argues that, in a traditional campus environment, linking disparate buildings via a fixed-line cable that interconnects to the main telephony service provider is often time-consuming, disruptive or expensive. Similarly, in some locations, such as in ports and harbours, fixed or underground cabling is not possible. BridgeWave claims to solve both problems through the provision of high capacity, millimeter wave connections that are fast, easy and more cost-efficient to deploy.

Dan McCarthy, European sales director at BridgeWave, explains: “Recently, we have seen phenomenal growth in the need to deliver bandwidth hungry applications and services, such as video and large database replications, to campus environments, and we have an attractive technology solution to meet the demand. By combining our technical know-how with Avnet’s size and proven distribution skills, we believe we can double our business in the coming year alone.”
Appeal
Avnet believes the new agreement with BridgeWave will appeal to wireless network specialists who recognise the need for greater throughputs to meet client requirements. With technical and marketing support from Avnet, business partners will have access to this new area of Millimetric Wave Radio and the ability to deploy and sell BridgeWave’s technology as part of a much larger solution. Similarly, says the distributor, it could also benefit businesses who sell carrier services from providers such as BT, Cable & Wireless and Virgin directly but for whom it might have been cost-prohibitive in the past to sell a single link in this way.  As licensed technology, BridgeWave also avoids the added complication of interference from non-licensed solutions.

Says Bruce Hockin, head of business, networking and security, Avnet Technology Solutions, UK: “Until recently, there was no high capacity alternative to expensive leased lines and LAN extension services for increased network capacity. There is already a pent-up demand for this type of service across the wider wireless channel community and BridgeWave can trust in Avnet and its partners’ experience to leverage the real business opportunity that exists today.”