The CBRS test used four-channel carrier aggregation
Verizon and Ericsson today announced a joint test of a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) small cell using four-channel carrier aggregation combining licensed spectrum with two 20 megahertz channels in the 3.5 GHz CBRS band. Qualcomm provided an LTE modem for the test, which also employed Federated Wireless’ spectrum access system (SAS).
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has been working for several years on freeing up access to spectrum in the 3.5 GHz for shared use. That work initially focused on up to 100 megahertz of spectrum, before being increased to 150 megahertz.The 3.5 GHz band is now in the hands of the Department of Defense for use in certain radar installations, as well as by non-federal fixed satellite service earth stations for receive-only, space-to-earth operations and feeder links. The goal is to find a way for shared access to the spectrum without causing interference with existing users. A SAS, like what Federated has developed, would protect incumbent users from interference by recipients of priority access licenses (PALs) and general access licenses (GAAs).
Verizon has partnered with Ericsson and Qualcomm on a number of recent tests that have pushed development of gigabit LTE using unlicensed spectrum. Following a demonstration that delivered 953 megabits per second with commercial network equipment, the carrier’s VP of network support, Mike Haberman, said Verizon will be installing License Assisted Access radios at select cell sites around the U.S. Verizon is aggregating three 5 GHz channels with one 20 megahertz channel of AWS spectrum. In another test, Verizon passed the 1 Gbps mark in tests with Ericsson and Qualcomm, using the later’s X20 LTE modem, which supports Cat 18 LTE data throughput. The lab test achieved a 1.2 Gbps data rate.
As operators look to up capacity by tapping into unlicensed and shared spectrum, CBRS is seeing interest with Nokia demoing related technology for Comcast and ExteNet Systems eyeing it as an opportunity to expand its neutral host portfolio for instance.
“The use of CBRS spectrum greatly advances our work in emerging spectrum bands. Verizon and our partners are leading the way in creating an ecosystem around the use of CBRS spectrum which will lead to greater capacity and speed for our customers,” Nicola Palmer, chief network officer for Verizon Wireless, said. “As industry leaders we work tirelessly to provide the best mobile experience available – that includes always innovating through new technologies and software platforms to better serve our customers.”
Federated Wireless CEO Iyad Tarazi called the tes an “exciting milestone. The CBRS ecosystem has truly reached full commercial viability, and Verizon will soon be able to enhance its customers’ experience with this latest wireless network innovation.”
The group teased a live demo set for Mobile World Congress Americas, set for Sept. 12-14 in San Francisco, Calif.
