Ericsson on Tuesday unveiled two new antenna-integrated radio (AIR) solutions that can help CSPs to deploy mid-band 5G networks faster and on a wider scale without adding to their site footprint.
Hybrid AIR and Interleaved AIR are the latest additions to the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, enhancing the company’s 5G platform.
Ericsson has recognized that physical space restrictions at some base station sites are a challenge for communications service providers wishing to extend their footprint to include 5G. The new AIR solutions directly address this issue to enable communications service providers to manage the growing complexity of macro sites and towers while reducing site footprint and optimization costs.
No extra physical space is needed at existing sites. When deployed with Massive MIMO, communications service providers can deploy mid-band 5G with the new solutions faster and on a larger scale, said Ericsson.
With Kathrein Mobile Communication antenna technology, Hybrid AIR and Interleaved AIR can introduce 5G mid-band to existing sites by combining antenna-integrated radios and multiband passive antenna technology in one enclosure.
A simulated calculation by Ericsson experts showed that the upgrade to Hybrid AIR or Interleaved AIR with Massive MIMO can result in up to seven times greater mobile broadband capacity than currently available from existing multiband antennas, claims Ericsson. The capacity gains come from improved Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) spectral efficiencies, new FDD bands and added Massive MIMO mid-bands. The new AIR solutions also boost 4G capacity.
Swisscom and the Vodafone Group are two longstanding Ericsson partners who have worked with the company on the solutions.
Per Narvinger, Head of Product Area Network, Ericsson
With the Hybrid AIR and Interleaved AIR solutions, we can help our customers to quickly deliver the benefits of 5G Massive MIMO to more end users.
Daniel Staub, Head of Mobile, Swisscom
We are now delivering wide mid-band capacity, while reusing established sites and minimizing additional footprint. We continue to work and innovate to bring the best end-user experience to our 5G subscribers.
