Colleen Guiltinan, director of marketing with NexAira, graciously answered some questions for Quantum-Wireless.com about NexAira, its past, and where she sees the company going in the future.

Could you please introduce NexAira – and tell us what  one of your first successful products was?

a)    Nexaira is a firmware/software development company, focused on providing third and fourth generation (“3G/4G”) routing products for business customers who want to use our high availability features for network failover, primary access or remote/mobile locations, with the business class features traditionally found only on wire line products.

b)    Nexaira NexConnect Router with the Patent Pending i3 GUI has been a very successful  product for us.

Please discuss some of the flagship products?

The High Availability Business Class Router includes security and network protocols for business customers who want to leverage the high availability aspects of the cellular networks for failover, primary access or remote/ mobile locations but with the business class features traditionally found only on wire line products.

Who are some of Nexaira’s competitors, what edge does Nexaira have over its competitors?

a)      Cradlepoint, Digi, and Sonic Wall
b)      Our edge is as follows over all of our competitors:

1.      We have a patent pending user interface, which is designed to allow set up time to occur in less than a minute, and which is extremely simple to use, but at the same time provides the user with access to all features if required.

2.      We are faster than all of our competitors, sometimes beating them on down loads or up loads on a 3G connection, by 30% to 50%.

3.      We have business class protocols, such as IPSec termination and origination, GRE, and VRRP, which none of our competitors have.

What’s on Nexaira’s roadmap for 2010?

We have just announced our newest product called the HANA, a 3G-based High Availability Network Adaptor. It is unlike any traditional broadband network adapter, since this product is an all in one solution with a High Gain 10dbi directional cellular antenna with a built-in a 802.11n 2×2 MIMO 3G router running NexWare firmware. The I3 GUI automatically displays signal strength from the closest or most direct cellular signal path providing quick and simple installation. The HANA is ideal for IT closets and noisy environments that need High Availability.

To demonstrate its efficacy, we typically show a customer HANA, running a speed test and performing other functions on the 3G network. We then create noise in that environment, using a 3G noise generator. Even though all cell phones in the vicinity cannot make calls or receive calls and other 3G connections fail, HANA through the use of our proprietary technology keeps the link up.

Who would be the typical end user for Nexaira’s 3G/4G business class router?

Well, basically two types of end users would deploy the product:

1.      An IT manager or a Business owner who needs to add redundancy to their existing network architecture or a small to mid-size business that needs broadband connectivity with advanced security protocols in an area that either does not offer cable or DSL, and deploying a T1 line is just not a cost effective solution. The Business Class router is easy to install and provides instant connectivity with an activated USB or Express Card with the carrier of their choice.

2.      A managed service provider, who needs to add redundancy to their existing network architecture or to provide broadband connectivity with advanced security protocols in an area that either does not offer cable or DSL, and the customer will not pay for a T1. The Business Class router provides instant connectivity with an activated USB or Express Card, effectively increasing the number of customers a managed service provider can reach by tenfold.

What challenges do you foresee NexAira having in the next few quarters and how does management choose to face it?

a)      The biggest challenge is simply customer or end user awareness. Unless someone has compared 3G or 4G side by side with DSL, cable, or T1 based services, it is hard to realize that 3G and 4G actually provide a better service, at the same or lower cost, than any traditional land line based service. So our biggest challenge is getting the word out about all of the possibilities 3G and 4G provide, out of the box, with our technology.

b)      Another one of the challenges we face today is maintaining our edge with evolving broadband wireless technologies such as HSPA+, WiMAX,  and LTE. However, our firmware, which is our major differentiator, was built and designed to handle all forms of new cards and evolving broadband wireless technologies. Nexaira supports more carrier data cards than any other 3G or 4G router in the market. Our firmware is wireless mode agnostic, meaning that our firmware architecture supports all forms of 3G and 4G wireless capabilities, and can act as a multi-mode device, switching from 3G to 4G and back if required.

What is Nexaira’s market position?

We are one of a hand full of companies that have fully embraced using 3G or 4G as a business class solution, and we have developed the technology that proves it. However, beyond that we have features that no other 3G or 4G router has today.

With the emergence of smart phones, how is Nexaira positioned to leverage that momentum?

Nexaira’s firmware, NexWare, is hardware agnostic. Meaning that we can see incorporating our firmware into a variety of device form factors, including smart phones. Our firmware architecture was designed to be ported and customized for our customers, and with this customer centric focus we can see a time when NexWare will run on a smart phone.

Dear Booster Bob,

Here is my situation … We have a summer camping area and we only get a slim poor bar of signal cellular. I’m wondering which booster kit I could purchase in order to boost the signal of my cell phone?

Answer:

There are many options I would recommend for your situation. The first is the dual-band Wi-Ex 510 booster kit with the YX 029 platinum antenna upgrade. The outdoor upgradeable antenna picks up the signal from farther away and is good only if you currently get one or two bars. I also have some products from Wilson Electronics. The 841262 provides a few hundred feet of improved signal coverage. The Wilson 841263 is similar to the 841262 but reaches out farther to get the signal needed to boost the signal area. It covers about the same amount of space as the 841262. Both are dual band, covering most cell carriers except Sprint/Nextel IDen phones.

Quantum-Wireless.com has all kinds of cell signal boosters that fit your needs.

-Booster Bob

Wilson Electronics’ 801247 comes with a new amplifier antenna. The 801247 Signalboost DT is a dual band amplifier that covers 1 to 2 rooms in your small home or office.

The new antenna is a sharper looking desk top antenna and improves on performance. It ships with all Signalboost Desktop DT amplifier kits and works on all major cell phone carriers.

Wilson Electronics offers many types of cell signal boosters for your car, home, office or boat. Quantum-Wireless.com has an extensive selection of cell signal boosters from Wilson and other top manufacturers.

-Booster Bob

Dear Booster Bob,

My wife and I have iPhones and need better reception in fringe areas. What do you have for this? I need it for my car or camper.

John,

I recommend the Wilson 801212 – it’s a mobile cell signal amplifier that’s perfect for campers and vehicles. It comes with an exterior antenna that needs to be mounted outside the car using the magnetic mounts that’s included in the kit. It’s a plug in and play kit that’s powered by a 12 volt plug into the cigarette lighter. Quantum-Wireless.com has all your cell signal boosters needs, offering kits for your car, house and business from Wilson Electronics and other booster companies.

-Booster Bob

How to Set Up the security features on your Cradlepoint 3G/4G router:

WEP/WPA Procedures – Wizard

1. Enter your routers administration pages (192.168.0.1)
Instructions  “How to Access the Setup Pages of a CradlePoint Router”
2. Go to the “Basic” tab
3. On the left panel click on “Wizard”
4. Select the “Internet Setup Wizard” then “Next”
5. Enter a new admin password
6. Select your Time zone from the drop down menu and select “Next”
7. Enter a new SSID in the “Wireless Network Name (SSID)” field, such as “MyNetwork”
8. Select your security mode. “Good” for WEP, “Better” for WPA or WPA2 and “Best” if all your wireless devices support HPA2
9. Select “Next” then “Save” on the Setup Complete page.
10. Allow your router to reboot.

WEP/WPA Procedures – Manual

1. Enter your routers administration pages (192.168.0.1)
2. Go to the “Basic” tab
3. On the left panel click on “Wireless”
4. Scroll down to “Wireless Security Mode”
5. Click on WEP, WPA-Personal, or WPA-Enterprise
5a. WEP is the lowest security setting
5b. WPA-Personal is better than WEP, choose if your adapter supports this
5c. WPA-Enterprise is better than WPA-Personal, choose if your adapter supports this
Go to Your Specific Security Type Below:

For WEP

6. Choose a Key Length
7. Enter a WEP Key for Keys 1-4 (same or different)
7a. 64bit you NEED to enter 10 hex digits (hex digits 0-9,a-f)
7b. 128bit you NEED to enter 26 hex digits (hex digits 0-9,a-f)
8. Choose the default WEP Key
9. Choose authentication type
10. Go to Step 11 below

For WPA-Personal

6. Select WPA mode, auto will cover both WPA and WPA2 if you’re unsure which your adapter supports
7. Select the Cipher Type (If unsure, use both)
8. Enter a Pre-Shared Key (8-63 characters)
9. Go to Step 11 below

For WPA-Enterprise

6. Select WPA mode, auto will cover both WPA and WPA2 if you’re unsure which your adapter supports
7. Select the Cipher Type (If unsure, use both)
8. Enter your RADIUS server information
9. Go to Step 11 below

11. Scroll up the page and click “Save Settings”
12. Click on “Reboot this device”
13. After your router is completely rebooted connect your PC to the router .

It’s important to activate security features on your Cradlepoint routers because it safeguards against intruders that want to use your bandwidth. Quantum-Wireless.com offers a variety of routers, air cards and USB modems, perfect for your internet connection needs.

Dear Booster Bob,
What system would you recommend for my home/office to boost reception? I want to be able to use the system wireless in a number of rooms in a 2000 foot area. I have AT&T and ACS.

Randy,

I recommend the Wilson 841262 dual-band amplifier from Wilson Electronics. I understand it’s a little more pricey, but Wilson makes some of the best products offered on Quantum-Wireless.com. Like everything ordered from Quantum, the deal comes with a 30 day money back guarantee along with award winning customer service. Call 1-877-259-4629 for more information about cell signal boosters, 3G/4G routers and all your wireless technology needs.

-Booster Bob

Dear Router Ryan,

Can you tell me if the MiFi is quad band and will support domestic and international data access?
And which carrier does it use?  What is the carrier for the MiFi – Verizon or AT&T?

Answer:

The MiFi from Novatel Wireless is quad band and supports both domestic and international data access. It uses all the major carriers but works differently with Verizon than it does with other carriers. Quantum-Wireless.com offers both the unlocked version that works with most major carriers like AT&T as well as the Verizon version.

-Router Ryan

Both cell carriers and cell signal booster makers are calling on the Federal Communications Commission to take action regarding signal boosters.

The FCC is considering legislation that would make cell signal boosters illegal unless they are released by wireless operators or consented from a wireless operator.

Wilson Electronics believes that setting standards for signal boosters by the carriers will not work on science, but on greed and motives of the carriers to make as much money as possible.

Wilson singled out Verizon Wireless because they haven’t worked with Wilson previously and only have data from older booster models. Wilson also stated that Verizon isn’t serving the public because it hasn’t shown interest in approving boosters designed with built-in protection against degradation or interference.

Wilson has sold more than 500,000 signal boosters and cite Canadian company Telus as a blueprint of how the booster companies and carriers can work together to promote products. Telus markets Wilson products in Canada.

Companies are filing in favor of carrier-approved signal boosters, but Wilson points to the need for boosters after the Mexican Hat incident where a bus accident occurred in a rural area and forced someone to drive 36 miles to get cell reception. The National Transportation Safety Bureau recommended that all buses traveling on rural routes get a Wilson cell signal booster.

The carriers have the view that because billions were spent on building out the cell networks, they must protect them to serve the public interest. Cell signal boosters help one person, but have a negative effect on the rest of the network.

Dear Router Ryan,

Does the Option 452 3G modem have any carrier branding? And is it unlocked?

Samir,

The Option 452 does not have any carrier branding. You can use any of the top carriers, like Sprint, Verizon Wireless and AT&T. The device is unlocked. Quantum-Wireless.com has a variety of USB/Air Card modems along with other 3G/4G routers perfect for any of your router needs.

-Router Ryan

Dear Booster Bob,

I was wondering what I need in order to get better cell phone signal throughout my home? My house is approximately 2000 sq/ft and I get 1-2 Bars near a window in certain spots outside. Which cell signal booster do you recommend?

Answer:

The Wi-EX Zboost 510 is a good model for what you need. The installation is easy and it is dual band, meaning it works on both frequencies. If you want to upgrade and spend a little more, the Wilson 841262 provides better coverage area. The installation is more complicated, but it works just as well as the Zboost. Quantum-Wireless.com has both models and they have some of the cheapest prices on the internet.

-Booster Bob