Gearing up for the 2008 Summer Olympics, approximately 1,000 wireless routers have been deployed, covering over 38 square miles in Beijing.

Compiled by Erin J. Fellores

The largest city network in is preparing to go online to provide communications during the 2008 Olympic Games. ’s “wireless city” initiative will support wireless services including Internet access, streaming media, intelligence services and mobile data services during and after the Olympic Games, to be held this month.

   
The project consists of approximately 1,000 Azalea Networks broadband wireless routers and numerous video surveillance cameras supported by a network management system. This system will provide wireless broadband access over 38 square miles (100 square kilometers) in ’s central business district, financial areas and Olympic venues.

   
The “Wireless Beijing” project will enhance the communication service level in and around Olympic venues and tourist areas alike. With the benefit of wireless broadband technology, reporters will have instant, reliable access to the network to send stories to their home offices. Visitors will have Internet access to share their experiences as they happen. Community service communications will benefit as well, including business relations and emergency services such as the police department, firefighters, medical personnel and other public servants.  

   
Collaboration on this project is between CECT-Chinacomm Communications Co. Ltd and Trussnet , and is receiving support from the municipal government. Ping Qiu, president of CECT-Chinacomm Communications, said, “Azalea’s advanced wireless equipment and solutions, local technical team, support system and rich experience in deploying wireless cities at home and abroad have allowed us to realize this enormous leap forward in Beijing’s wireless communications capabilities.”