MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS — Airspan Networks is launching AirSynergy, what the company calls the world's first multi-standard pico eNodeB with high capacity integrated wireless backhaul, designed to allow operators to economically deploy urban heterogeneous wireless broadband networks and create sustainable 4G networks in rural areas. The product is the latest in Airspan's range of compact, software defined radio base stations providing the flexibility to support multiple Radio Access Network (RAN) standards and wireless backhaul simultaneously.
As consumers use more bandwidth-demanding applications, operators need to find solutions to deliver the necessary connectivity. Traditional macro wireless networks typically cover wider range areas, but often leave service gaps in between cells. Pico cells are smaller cells that deliver coverage and capacity into a targeted geographical region and user base. A heterogeneous wireless broadband network is one in which a macro wireless network is combined with intelligent pico cells to significantly improve coverage and capacity to an overall network, thereby delivering a significantly improved user experience.
AirSynergy will allow 4G LTE and 4G WiMAX carriers to significantly increase the data handling capacity of their network by deploying wireless pico nodes close to the user base on existing street poles such as lamp posts and utility poles. With a unique, highly efficient, integrated wireless backhaul technology, called iBridge, data demand can be offloaded from macro base stations, Airspan said.
In addition to providing additional access capacity to a mobile carrier network, AirSynergy also supports a low density deployment using its backhaul relay mode which enables carriers to create sustainable 4G networks in rural communities, delivering service to previously underserved customers. Power utility companies can also benefit from this flexible architecture and highly efficient frequency reuse by deploying on existing distribution network utility assets, such as power poles. This delivers coverage and capacity to support Smart Grid applications such as direct-to-the-meter 4G AMI, Demand Response, Distribution Automation, EV charging stations and micro-generation control and metering connectivity, according to Airspan.
"AirSynergy is a revolutionary new product that will enable carriers to deploy 4G into locations that have never been accessible or sustainable before," said Airspan CEO Eric Stonestrom. "Whether it's a deployment to rural America, to help President Obama deliver on his goal to bring 4G services to 98 percent of Americans by 2015, or a solution for European carriers who need to provide more mobile broadband capacity in the metropolitan centers of Europe, AirSynergy is a compelling proposition."
