New Stuff 11/01/12

Cloud managed-network provider Meraki is offering a new program to help accelerate new technology innovation. The company will provide complete enterprise-class networks, valued at nearly $15,000, for free to up-and-coming technology startups. The Meraki Startup Kit gives rising companies some help with their network infrastructures and can be deployed in minutes without specialized training. And when they succeed, Meraki says its cloud technology allows them to scale to thousands of employees by simply plugging in additional access points. The Kit includes two Meraki wireless access points, a high-throughput security appliance, and a 24-port switch with PoE. The Kit also includes a five-year license for Meraki’s cloud-based management platform…MetroPCS Communications Inc. claims to be the first to launch Rich Communication Services (RCS) commercially on a 4G LTE network under the GSMA-licensed “joyn” brand. Based on the GSMA RCS 5.0 standard, joyn by MetroPCS includes services like integrated instant messaging or chat, Wi-Fi and video calling, and simplified content sharing…Toolmaker Ideal Industries Inc. unveiled its Master Series Network Service Kit, a tool collection for installing, troubleshooting and repairing voice and data networks. Contained in a durable multi-ply Ideal Large Mouth bag, the Master Series kit includes test equipment for wiremap and tracing as well as an assortment of hand tools used to cut, strip and terminate twisted-pair cable. Included are the Ratchet Telemaster for RJ45 and RJ11 modular plugs; the PunchMaster II punch down tool; the Probe Pick & Spudger; the Coaxial Stripper with adjustable blades; a cable-splicing kit; a LinkMaster tester for wiring configurations on UTP and STP; a 7-in-1 Twist-a-Nut screwdriver/nutdriver; the Tone Generator and Amplifier Probe Kit; the Smart6 Modular Tester; the Kinetic T-Stripper/Tel Crimp Tool; and a package of 50 RJ-45 connectors…Microsemi Corporation says it’s delivered the world’s first monolithic silicon germanium (SiGe) RF front-end (FE) device for the fifth generation of Wi-Fi devices based on the IEEE 802.11ac standard. The RF FE is used in conjunction with Broadcom‘s BCM4335 combo chip for such mobile platforms as smartphones and tablets. Key technical features include a fully integrated, single chip 802.11ac 5 GHz PA, LNA with bypass and SPDT antenna switch; a small footprint of 2.5 mm x 2.5 mm and 0.4 mm height; and ultra linear power of 16 dBm at 1.8 percent EVM, 256QAM modulation over 80 megahertz bandwidth.