Telus has partnered with Huawei to deploy a Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) at its 5G Lab in Vancouver that was opened bo both the companies in early November.
HetNet is one of the key building blocks for 5G and combines multiple types of cells (such as outdoor macrocells and microcells and indoor picocells) to enhance both coverage and capacity in crowded areas and inside buildings where outdoor signals do not reach.
The network enables seamless transitions between cell types to ensure uninterrupted streaming of ultra-high-bandwidth applications (like high-definition video, video conferencing or cloud-based services) as devices move throughout the network. As data demands on wireless networks increase, HetNet will play a key role in providing an ultra-fast and reliable network experience, especially in dense urban environments.
In addition, Telus and Huawei said that they have successfully enabled a C-RAN (Centralized Radio Access Network) across multiple 5G Lab sites in Vancouver and claim that they are now operating the largest C-RAN deployment in North America.
C-RAN is a next-generation network architecture that centralizes the management of multiple cell sites, enabling intelligent allocation of radio capacity and improved network throughput in crowded urban areas or at special event locations.
Ibrahim Gedeon, TELUS’ Chief Technical Officer
These ground-breaking trials will one day enable the likes of driverless cars; smart homes, businesses and cities; new innovations in healthcare; as well as yet-to-be-imagined applications, devices and services powered by dramatically faster and more reliable wireless connections.
Sean Yang, President of Huawei Canada
Through our joint efforts in the 5G Living Lab, we are ensuring Vancouver and Canada are at the forefront of deploying the technologies that will bring 5G to life in the years ahead.
