By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A unique three-sector dual-band radio to help service providers increase their Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) 5G frequency capacity has been launched by Ericsson.
The product called Radio 6626 will simplify site upgrades and capacity expansions as communications service providers execute their network evolution strategies.
A statement from the firm said this latest radio portfolio will provide multi-standard and multi-band coverage while bringing down costs and reducing footprint – up to 50 per cent lower energy consumption.
The three-sector dual-band Radio 6626 combines two frequencies and six ports in one unit, enabling one radio to power all three sectors on the tower. This 6T6R radio supports 2G to 5G mobile standards, the statement noted.
Available in a 900 MHZ and 800 MHZ dual-band version, as well as 1800 MHZ and 2100 MHZ dual-band, Radio 6626 arms CSPs with added support to boost capacity while addressing cost-related challenges.
Powered by Ericsson Silicon, Ericsson Radio 6626 can provide 720W of output power and weighs under 45kg as the new product’s efficiency is driven by tight hardware and software co-design.
Ericsson is also launching the Voltage Booster 6640, which minimizes the need for new cabling, as it expands the power capacity to the radios by up to 50 per cent using existing cables.
By adding the Voltage Booster rather than swapping cables, the service provider can save up to 70 per cent of hardware and installation costs.
The new products complement the recently launched ultra-light Massive MIMO and RAN Compute portfolios – aimed at making it easier for CSPs to roll out commercial 5G services.
“Our new triple-sector, dual-band radio offers an opportunity for communications service providers to significantly reduce radio footprint and installation time needed on-site, while at the same time lowering total power consumption by up to 50 per cent.
“This will help our customers to increase capacity and further accelerate 5G coverage with the ubiquitous FDD bands,” the Head of Product Line Radio at Ericsson, David Hammarwall, said.
“The new multi-band, multi-sector, high-power radios from Ericsson will meet Telma’s need for more efficient tower upgrades.
“They will bring tangible Opex benefits in minimizing power consumption, weight on tower, and faster rollout.
“We are excited to deploy Ericsson’s multi-standard technology solutions with the smallest footprint in the industry,” the Group Chief Executive Officer of Telma Madagascar, Patrick Pisal-Hamida, stated.
Adedapo Adesanya