Ericsson claims new equipment platform integrates support for expected “5G” technologies like NR and MIMO, with legacy support for LTE
Ericsson is preparing for the roll out of “5G” technologies beginning as soon as next year, releasing equipment tapping into plans for the so-called “new radio” standard and expected need for expanded multiple-input/multiple-output antenna support.
The vendor said its AIR 6468 equipment moves to commercialize 5G NR equipment with massive MIMO support in a package that also supports advanced LTE technology. While a 5G standard is still seen as years away, Ericsson claims its solution is the first to support commercial deployments.
The platform is geared towards allowing carriers to support 5G technologies while continuing to support current LTE networks that are the backbone of 4G networks. That flexibility was highlighted by comments from carriers in support of the Ericsson announcement.
“As we accelerate toward 5G, it’s beneficial to have a flexible radio platform that can be deployed not only for LTE, but also versions of future 5G NR standards,” said Tom Keathley, SVP for wireless network architecture and design at AT&T, in a statement.
Platform specifics include the inclusion of three radios, with Radio 4407 and Radio 4412 enabling 4×4 MIMO for FDD and TDD network transmission, and Radio 8808 for TDD beamforming applications; support for unlicensed spectrum and small cells with Radio 2205; network densification support with Baseband 6502 and Baseband 6303; addressing interference challenges with Baseband P614 that is said to mitigate passive inter modulation from static and dynamic sources; Ericsson’s Uplink Spectrum Analyzer software to monitor external interference; power-sharing capabilities through Radio 2242; and Baseband C608 to provide switching and elastic radio access network deployments.
Deployment support comes from the creation of Ericsson’s Industrialized Network Rollout Services solution, which the vendor said when combined with its Network Deployment Delivery Platform offers “configuration, installation, integration, shakedown and handover of a fully verified site, ready in a single site visit.”
Ericsson said it expects the equipment to be ready for commercial deployments in mid-2017.
The product launch comes on the heels of long-time Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg abruptly leaving the company following another quarter of underperforming operations.
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