This session consists of the technological basics, economic feasibility, and performance characteristics of recently deployed WiMAX mesh networks, running on Linux operating systems, serving enterprise users in the United States and Europe. This nontraditional wireless network design topology and next-generation OS has met with success among operators and users. It has important implications for future waves of fixed and potentially mobile WiMAX infrastructures.

George Wu Director of Marketing Fujitsu Microelectronics America

Mr. Wu is responsible for marketing and sales of wireless solutions and ASSPs for various markets, including BWA, UWB, GPS, RFIC, mobile computing/multimedia (including cellular handsets), and navigation systems. He received an M.B.A. from National University in San Diego and a B.S.E.E. in system control and a B.S. in management science from the University of California in San Diego.

Narasimha Chari Chief Architect Tropos Networks

Mr. Chari was responsible for developing Tropos Networks' core intellectual property, including the design and development of the company's wireless networking and routing protocols. Currently, he focuses on system and product architecture and product planning, and he leads the company's advanced development efforts. Prior to founding Tropos, Mr. Chari was a research scientist at Harvard University, where he was recognized as a top lecturer and received the White Prize for excellence in teaching.

James Farstad Chief Executive Officer and Founder rClient/City of Minneapolis

Mr. Farstad is president of rClient. He was also founder and Chief Executive Officer of Epic USA, a telecommunications and technology consulting firm. He sold the firm to Larson, Allen Weishair and Company (LAWCO), joining LAWCO’s senior management and board until 2000, when he left to establish rClient. Mr. Farsted has 20 years in strategic technology consulting and business management. He is a recognized leader in strategy, vision, and innovation.

Jim Freeze Vice President, Marketing Belair Networks

Mr. Freeze was previously chief marketing officer at 3Com Corporation, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Centra Software, and global vice president of marketing at Level (3). Mr. Freeze became a recognized Internet authority as senior telecom analyst at Forrester Research. He has a J.D. from Capital University Law School and an M.A. in mathematics and a B.S. in education from Ohio State University.

Peter Jarich Principal Analyst Current Analysis

Mr. Jarich focuses on tracking, analyzing, and reporting on developments impacting mobile infrastructure and mobile networking. His coverage focus includes CDMA2000 products, players, and strategies in the radio access and core packet infrastructure deployed by mobile operators, as well as the evolving public WLAN (PWLAN) and WiMAX markets. Additionally, Mr. Jarich oversees Current Analysis's coverage of GSM and UMTS infrastructure markets.

Jeff Thompson Co-Founder and Technology/Operations Leader Towerstream

Mr. Thompson has created a new model for delivering reliable bandwidth to the commercial market. By leveraging second-generation multipoint fixed wireless technology, Towerstream has built an expandable network that is 99.99 percent reliable. Mr. Thompson represents Towerstream in the WiMAX Forum. He is frequently quoted in media because of his expertise in WiMAX, fixed wireless, and 802.16. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from UMASS.