Ericsson has unveiled a new mobile networks software with the aim of supporting the mass-market adoption of Internet-of-Things (IoT). The new software, dubbed as 16B is expected to pave the way toward the deployment of LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) technology, supporting low-cost devices, extending battery life, improving deep indoor and rural coverage and offering service prioritization, said Ericsson.
Our new software is accelerating #IoT - better coverage, longer battery life and lower device cost http://t.co/7zqO118zy8 @EricssonRadio
— Paul Cowling (@PaulCowlng) September 1, 2015
The 16B software promises improvements in three key areas:
Reduced IoT device cost - The new software supports LTE Category 0 with half-duplex operation in FDD, which provides functionalities and capabilities scaled down to meet the needs of IoT applications such as sensors and smart meters. This reduced complexity cuts device cost by 60 percent compared to Category 4.
Extended battery life - Ericsson is introducing two new software upgrades for energy efficiency that achieve the goal of extended battery life for today's IoT devices. Device Power-saving Mode for LTE & GSM is a new device power-saving capability that introduces a deep sleep state, while Extended Discontinuous Reception (DRX) for GSM extends the sleep cycles in inactive mode.
Improved indoor coverage - Extended coverage software for GSM delivers a 20 dB improvement leading to a seven-fold extension in the range of low-rate applications. This enables the usage of IoT applications in remote locations and deep within buildings underground.
Arun Bansal, senior vice president and head of Business Unit Radio at Ericsson
We are accelerating IoT growth on existing LTE and GSM networks to ensure a global foundation for a vast range of new consumer, industry and government applications, from smart cities to connected farms.
Park Jin-hyo, Senior Vice President and Head of Network R&D Center, SK Telecom
Connectivity underlies everything we do and Ericsson’s latest innovations enhance both networks and devices so that we can develop new IoTopportunities in Korea. This is sure to accelerate uptake of IoT and allow us to quickly reachour customers with useful IoT services.
