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Tag: Mimo

  • Revolutionizing Radio Networks: SoftBank and NVIDIA’s Triumph in AI-Driven Massive MIMO

    Revolutionizing Radio Networks: SoftBank and NVIDIA’s Triumph in AI-Driven Massive MIMO

    A successful demonstration recently utilized an AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network) that performed radio signal processing entirely on NVIDIA’s graphics processing unit (GPU). This is a major shift from traditional systems that heavily relied on dedicated hardware, specifically field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), for processing at the Physical Layer (PHY).

    Performance Under Real-World Conditions

    In the outdoor trial, SoftBank exhibited top-tier performance under real-world circumstances. They used a cutting-edge, virtualized RAN (vRAN) structure that performs this processing by using large-scale CUDA-accelerated parallel computation on NVIDIA’s GPU. This architecture also incorporates AI processing.

    Throughout the trial, AITRAS exploited the GPU’s efficient parallel processing skills to carry out extensive matrix computations crucial for Massive MIMO and PHY-layer signal processing. This was achieved entirely in software within the Distributed Unit (DU). Consequently, SoftBank affirmed the stable function of a 16-layer MU-MIMO downlink in outdoor settings. In comparison to the standard four-layer setup, both spectral efficiency and throughput improved by about three times.

    Significant Validation

    This success serves as a substantial validation of the PHY-layer execution on a GPU. It enables stable Massive MIMO operations within the specified processing time of the RAN. This is an important technical milestone that leads the commercialization of AI-RAN.

    In the AITRAS model, the connection between the DU and O-RAN-compliant Radio Unit adheres to O-RAN Split Option 7.2x. While some Massive MIMO implementations transfer parts of the uplink channel estimation and equalization processing from the DU to the O-RU, AITRAS uses a fully software-based approach within the DU. This uses the GPU computing power and aids in creating a Massive MIMO ecosystem using general-purpose O-RUs without needing extra functions.

    Uplink Radio Signals and AI Processing

    By combining uplink radio signals from various O-RUs into a single DU, equipped with an integrated AI processing unit, AI-based coordinated control for radio signal quality can be effectively executed across multiple O-RUs. This improves radio signal quality through uplink channel interpolation and boosts capacity through advanced beamforming techniques.

    The aim with the development of AITRAS is to speed up the practical implementation of AI-RAN, contributing to a more sustainable and flexible next-generation network infrastructure. The plan is to continue field trials and introduce AITRAS into commercial networks by 2026.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the recent demonstration by SoftBank?
    The demonstration is significant as it showed that radio signal processing can be performed entirely on NVIDIA’s GPU using AI-RAN, shifting away from the traditional reliance on dedicated hardware.

    What is the anticipated impact of AI-RAN in real-world conditions?
    AI-RAN demonstrated high performance under real-world conditions, improving both spectral efficiency and throughput by about three times. This could significantly enhance communication quality and overall capacity of base stations.

    What is the long-term goal for the development of AITRAS?
    The goal is to accelerate the practical implementation of AI-RAN, thereby contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and flexible next-generation network infrastructure. SoftBank plans to introduce AITRAS into its commercial network by 2026.

  • ZTE and Pakistan’s Zong Launch Dual-Band FDD Massive MIMO

    ZTE and Pakistan’s Zong Launch Dual-Band FDD Massive MIMO

    ZTE, together with Zong, Pakistan’s digital services front-runner, has commercially launched the dual-band FDD Massive MIMO in Zong’s existing 4G network, well satisfying the expansion requirements necessary for increasing 4G users and traffic.

    With ZTE’s FDD Massive MIMO solution, the deployment area’s 4G data traffic capacity has jumped by 21% while the average user throughput has increased by 40%, resulting in a 60% reduction in high-loaded cell counts.

    Zong has been leading the data market in Pakistan with its rapid growth in 4G users and data traffic. Total 4G data traffic in the year 2021 increased nine times over that of 2018, while the proportion of high-load cells increased from 3% to 17%. Therefore, Zong’s network effective solutions to meet its expanding network requirements.

    Zong is also a pioneer of exploring new technological solutions. It is known that FDD Massive MIMO is one of the key 5G technologies. It has now been successfully applied in the 4G network, bringing about great advantage. In September 2021, Zong together with ZTE successfully commercialized the first FDD Massive MIMO site in Peshawar. The FDD Massive MIMO has been operating well on 4G for both 1.8GHz and 2.1GHz dual bands, with the highest output power of 320W in the industry. In addition,, it has enabled the industry’s unique Smart Spatial Cell Groups (SSCG) technology, which realizes intelligent cell coverage adjustment based on user distribution, and improves cell capacity and spectrum efficiency.

    “Digital everything” is becoming a new priority of the telecommunications industry. FDD Massive MIMO is a much-needed technology to support global telecommunications operators in a highly-competitive market.

    By the end of May 2022, more than 170 sites were on air. Such large-scale commercialization of FDD Massive MIMO is becoming a new way of improving capacity and spectrum efficiency in 4G networks. Moving forward, Zong and ZTE will be committed to expanding the large-scale commercialization of the FDD Massive MIMO to further improve the capacity and spectrum efficiency of 4G networks.

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  • U Mobile taps ZTE to conduct 5G trials in Malaysia

    U Mobile taps ZTE to conduct 5G trials in Malaysia

    U Mobile has signed an MoU with ZTE to support its 5G deployment in Malaysia

    The agreement will see both parties collaborating on various 5G related developments including live testing, 5G showcases well as implementation of Massive MIMO.

    U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck said the operator has a long standing working relationship with ZTE and it is a logical next step for the companies to collaborate on initiatives related to 5G.

    “In the near future, we will be working closely with ZTE to conduct live tests in select areas in the KL city, so Malaysians may experience the first-hand power of 5G,” Wong said in a statement.

    U Mobile CTO Woon Ooi Yuen added that the operator has been aggressively expanding its 4G LTE networks all across West and East Malaysia in recent months and started plotting its journey towards 5G.

    “As part of our 5G roadmap, we will be implementing Massive MIMO in certain areas in the KL City to further enhance customer experience by leveraging the wider bandwidths.”

    Steven Ge, managing director of ZTE Malaysia, said the company has 5G end-to-end solution capabilities, adding that the partnership with U Mobile will “turn 5G into a reality in the near future to benefit Malaysians.”

    Earlier this week, U Mobile has also formed a strategic partnership with Razer to collaborate in e-payments, e-sports, and 5G testbeds.

    Under the partnership, U Mobile and Razer are looking into leveraging e-sports events for 5G testbeds in Malaysia by conducting e-sports-related 5G testbeds and trials in the country.

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  • Vodafone Idea contracts Nokia for LTE expansion

    Vodafone Idea contracts Nokia for LTE expansion

    India’s Vodafone Idea has awarded Nokia a contract to improve the operator’s LTE coverage and capacity.

    Under the contract, Nokia will provide Single RAN Advanced, massive MIMO and small cell technology across multiple Indian telecoms circles to support the operator’s network consolidation and modernization program.

    The small cell deployment will help improve both indoor and outdoor coverage and capacity in the circles. Vodafone Idea will also adopt dynamic spectrum sharing technology to make the most productive use of the converged company’s spectrum.

    “Vodafone Idea is undertaking the world’s biggest telecom network integration in India [following the merger between Vodafone India and Idea Cellular], and creating India’s most advanced, secure and cost-efficient network,” Vodafone Idea CTO Vishant Vora said.

    “Extensive use of UBRs, dynamic spectrum sharing, massive MIMO and HetNets are key to our plan in this integration exercise, and we are very happy to partner with Nokia to deploy these futuristic, next generation technologies to prepare a future-proof network for the digital era.”

    Last month Vodafone Idea also contracted Ericsson to deploy LTE equipment for the network integration program, including radio systems and transport equipment from Ericsson’s 5G-ready Ericsson Radio System portfolio.

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  • Jazz contracts Nokia for 4G network expansion

    Jazz contracts Nokia for 4G network expansion

    Pakistan’s Jazz has contracted Nokia to expand the operator’s 4G network capacity and coverage.

    Under the five-year agreement, Nokia will provide its radio solutions for Jazz’s network in the central and southern Punjab province as well as the Sindh and Baluchistan provinces.

    The rollout area will cover densely populated cities including Faisalabad, Multan, Bhawalpur, Rahimyar Khan and Sukkur, allowing Jazz to provide improved services for customers.

    The deployment will include Nokia AirScale base stations for expanded 4G coverage and Massive MIMO technology for enhanced capacity and speed.

    “Expanding 4G coverage across all cities and towns in Pakistan is one of the key strategic pillars of Jazz to fuel the consumption of broadband services,” Jazz chief technology and information officer Khalid Shehzad said.

    “Nokia’s advanced equipment coupled with its commitment to provide quality professional services will ensure that our subscribers enjoy superior service experience. It will help us maintain our growth momentum and attract new subscribers.”

  • Vodafone Idea doubles 4G speeds in Mumbai

    Vodafone Idea doubles 4G speeds in Mumbai

    India’s Vodafone Idea has announced it has doubled 4G download speeds in the Mumbai metro area as part of a major network modernization program in the city.

    The operator is deploying new technologies in the metro area including Massive MIMO, small cells and more TD-LTE cell sites, and has so far deployed more than 5,000 such sites across several regions.

    As part of the network upgrade, Vodafone Idea has also installed over 1,900 pieces of dedicated indoor coverage equipment at high rises and commercial buildings.

    Vodafone Idea’s capacity and coverage in Mumbai has also benefited from 4G spectrum refarming conducted as part of the network consolidation between the former Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, which combined to become Vodafone Idea last year in a $23 billion merger.

    “I am happy to announce that ‘Mumbai just got two times faster’ which means that our customers will now experience two times the download speeds on the 4G network,” Vodafone Idea business head Sunil Tolani said.

    This is based on statistics from Valu Connex Telecom Services indicating that average download speeds in Mumbai have improved by 2.16 times compared to prior to the modernization program.

    “We will be utilizing multiple [advertising] media like OOH [out-of home], radio and digital to reach out to our audience and hope they will enjoy the benefits of our focused network initiatives in Mumbai,” Tolani concluded.

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  • Nokia to open Cognitive Collaboration Hubs

    Nokia to open Cognitive Collaboration Hubs

    Nokia has announced plans to open a network of Cognitive Collaboration Hubs to drive collaboration between operators and enterprises on the development of AI-powered use cases. By hosting development on the Nokia AVA cognitive services platform, the hubs will reduce operators’ time to market and increase their return on investments in data analytics.

    The Cognitive Collaboration Hubs build on the success of Nokia Cloud Collaboration Hubs established in 2018, which have attracted substantial interest from operators to help them build new cloud-based capabilities.

    The hubs aim to provide a catalyst for operator strategy development and help them solve key challenges by applying analytics and AI techniques. Agile development processes are used to jointly create use cases, test and put them into operation within weeks.

    Typical application areas focus on network operations, network performance, customer experience and data monetization. 5G is another key focus, and Nokia is currently working with several US operators on the use of machine learning to improve 5G network planning – for example to help identify the best site locations or Massive MIMO beamforming configurations.

    “Network operators are eager to deploy AI to improve network operations and strengthen customer relationships,” GlobalData service director for telecom technology and software John Byrne said.

    “Nokia’s Cognitive Collaboration Hubs can help accelerate those plans by providing a space for operators, partners and enterprises to co-create new AI solutions utilizing a mix of data science and telco domain expertise.”

    Nokia is already engaged in a number of AI-based trials with operators worldwide. For example, in Turkey, Nokia and Türk Telekom are testing machine learning based artificial intelligence technologies on new generation mobile and fixed networks by using Nokia’s artificial intelligence assistant MIKA and AVA cognitive services platform.

    Nokia is also announcing a new innovation to improve road safety and passenger experience. Driver Behavior Analytics provides real-time analysis of data from commodity sensors delivering useful data insights for government authorities, the automotive industry and commercial enterprises.

    Advanced insights derived using a proprietary smartphone application to deliver information on aggressive driving, inadequate road conditions or dangerous junctions.

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  • SmarTone, Ericsson trial FDD massive MIMO in Hong Kong

    SmarTone, Ericsson trial FDD massive MIMO in Hong Kong

    Ericsson and Hong Kong mobile network operator SmarTone have begun to trial FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology as part of the operator’s network evolution plan towards 5G, said the companies in a press event in Hong Kong Monday.

    The trial, involving FDD massive MIMO on 1800 MHz, represents the first of its kind for operators in Hong Kong. The trial comes ahead of 2018’s planned deployment of AIR 3246, Ericsson’s new radio that can support massive MIMO over 4G/LTE with Ericsson’s 5G massive MIMO plug-in, said the companies.

    “Our extension of the strategic partnership with Ericsson in October last year includes a five-year network evolution plan towards 5G,” said Stephen Chau, CTO, SmarTone. “Ericsson’s FDD massive MIMO solution will play an instrumental part in providing our customers in dense urban environments with [the] enhanced user experiences they have come to expect from SmarTone.”

    “We are working closely with SmarTone to develop, trial, and deploy key 5G technologies that will further enhance the user experience,” said Nishant Batra, head of product area network infrastructure, Ericsson. The recent LAA field trial, and now the trial of FDD massive MIMO, enable us to jointly shape the next-generation network technology.”

    Ericsson recently launched its first radio, AIR 3246, supporting FDD massive MIMO for both 4G and 5G. The technology is designed to enable operators—especially in metropolitan areas—to bring 5G to subscribers using today’s mid-band spectrum and boost capacity in their LTE networks.

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  • Vodafone Australia to roll out Massive MIMO from 2018

    Vodafone Australia to roll out Massive MIMO from 2018

    Vodafone Australia has joined rival Optus is testing massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, and plans to start rolling it out from 2018.

    The operator announced a recent successful trial of Massive MIMO in the 1800-MHz FDD band.

    The trial, conducted with Huawei in a suburb of Sydney, used 20 MHz of 1800-MHz spectrum to achieve a peak cell throughput of 717Mbps across eight simultaneous devices.

    Vodafone revealed plans to roll out its FDD Massive MIMO technology to selected mobile sites during 2018.

    “This week’s demonstration is another significant step towards 5G, following our live 5G trial last year which saw speeds of up to 5Gbps,” Vodafone GM of technology strategy Easwaren Siva said.

    “When it is rolled out in an area, FDD Massive MIMO will give the Vodafone network multiple-fold increase in capacity, delivering a consistently high quality network experience, even in times of high usage.”

    Rival Optus last week announced plans to start rolling out Massive MIMO on its mobile network at the end of the year, after completing trials in June that combined Massive MIMO with three carrier aggregation. This trial was also conducted with Huawei.

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  • Optus to roll out Massive MIMO from end-2017

    Optus to roll out Massive MIMO from end-2017

    Australia’s Optus plans to roll out Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology on its mobile network starting at the end of the year, after completing successful trials combining Massive MIMO with three-carrier aggregation (3CC CA).

    Optus completed live network testing of 3CC Massive MIMO in June, achieving a top speed of 818Mbps, the operator revealed.

    The trial was conducted with Huawei on live traffic at Macquarie Park in northern Sydney. Optus said the trial made it the first operator in the world to complete a successful live network implementation of massive MIMO and 3CC CA technologies together in the same equipment.

    In addition to the improved speeds, site capacity during the live testing was boosted by almost four times compared to that of existing four transmit four receive (4T4R) MIMO base stations.

    Optus plans to start the rollout of Massive MIMO in selected capital cities starting from the end of the year, with a focus on high traffic and congested areas.

    “Earlier this year, Optus launched a 4.5G network and completed Australia’s first field trial of Massive MIMO technology,” Optus Networks managing director Dennis Wong said.

    “We’re committed to leading Australia in terms of 5G development and testing, and this recently completed world-first 3CC Massive MIMO test is further testament to our commitment and developments we have been able to achieve in this space.”

    Optus is Australia’s second largest mobile operator, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore’s Singtel.

  • Singtel deploying Massive MIMO

    Singtel deploying Massive MIMO

    Singtel is deploying Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology commercially on its LTE-Advanced mobile network to improve the mobile data experience during special events.

    A precursor to 5G technology, Massive MIMO is an advanced solution used to boost network capacity in highly dense environments. The company plans to use the technology to improve mobile data speeds by up to 200% during busy periods.

    Singtel teamed up with Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE for the deployment of Massive MIMO technology at the Marina Bay area. Singtel rolled out the network boost at yesterday’s National Day celebrations, with other deployments planned for the Singapore F1 Night Race and the New Year countdown event.

    “On the joyous occasion of our National Day celebrations, Singtel is pleased to be pairing our newly-acquired 2.5-GHz spectrum with Massive MIMO technology to expand our network capacity and offer our customers an enhanced mobile experience at this and other special events,” Singtel group CTO Mark Chong said.

    Globally, large crowds gathered at events, such as concerts and festivals, use high volumes of data to share their experiences via real-time videos on social media.

    This extraordinary behaviour generates a dramatic spike in network traffic, presenting a challenge for operators to provide fast and consistent data speeds.

    Singtel has identified Massive MIMO as one of the solutions to the problem. Singtel will use Massive MIMO base stations featuring a large array of 64 antennas that improve spectral efficiency and cell capacity using innovations in radio technologies.

    The innovative antenna system channels signals to users’ specific locations instead of broadcasting across a geographical area. This multiplies the number of data paths from the cellular base stations, thus increasing network capacity and improving user experience.

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  • Globe commences Massive MIMO rollout

    Globe commences Massive MIMO rollout

    The Philippines’ Globe Telecom has commenced the commercial deployment of massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology to improve the mobile connectivity experience in dense urban areas.

    The commercial deployment follows initial testing of the technology in the Makati financial district of Metro Manila. The testing demonstrated the ability of the technology to improve capacity up to six times compared to a regular site.

    Globe’s initial rollout will cover 150 cell sites, mostly in Southern Luzon and Northern Luzon, according to Joel Agustin, SVP for program governance at the operator’s Network Technical Group.

    “The use of massive MIMO technology is an important component of our goal to stay ahead of the demand curve for data capacity in densely populated and high-foot traffic areas,”  he said.

    Globe this month also became the first operator in the world to activate massive MIMO using two-carrier aggregation, the company said.

    The deployment makes use of Globe’s 2.6-GHz spectrum holdings. Globe acquired additional 2.6-GHz spectrum from last year’s joint purchase of San Miguel’s telecoms assets with rival PLDT.

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  • Telkomsel demonstrates FDD Massive MIMO

    Telkomsel demonstrates FDD Massive MIMO

    Indonesia’s Telkomsel has completed the market’s first FDD Massive MIMO demonstration as part of its 5G evolution roadmap.

    The operator teamed up with Huawei to conduct the demonstration, which achieved five times the capacity of traditional FDD LTE 2×2 MIMO.

    Since Telkomsel started building its network at the end of 2014, the operator’s LTE userbase has reached more than 19 million. The large number of concurrent users and Indonesia’s scarce spectrum resources will inevitably lead to network congestion in high-traffic areas, the companies said.

    In anticipation of congestion issues, Telkomsel and Huawei have established a joint innovation center focused on the research of high-capacity pre-5G network solutions such as Massive MIMO.

    “Telkomsel has always aimed to bring the best MBB experience to Indonesian users by leveraging on cutting edge technologies. Multi-antenna technology fully meets our requirements for improving  customer experience,” Telkomsel network director Sukardi Silalahi said.

    “Massive MIMO can increase the capacity without adding sites and spectrum, thus reducing the cost per bit. I am very satisfied with the demonstration results today.”

    He pledged to continue working with Huawei at the Joint Innovation Center to explore other network technology breakthroughs.

  • Optus, Huawei complete Massive MIMO field test

    Optus, Huawei complete Massive MIMO field test

    Australia’s Optus and Huawei have announced they have completed a successful infield test of Massive MIMO as part of the operator’s upgrade path to 5G.

    The trial used 128 transmit 128 receive Massive MIMO technology, achieving aggregate cell throughput of 665Mbps over a single 20 MHz carrier on the 2300-MHz frequency band, shared by 16 devices.

    Optus managing director for networks Dennis Wong said the trial demonstrated an aggregated speed improvement of up to eight times the capacity of existing 4G cell sites.

    “We’re seeing a 75% year on year increase in data consumption. Massive MIMO is an important step along the journey to 5G as it allows us to immediately increase cell site capacity and spectrum efficiency,” he said.

    “For customers, this means that their experience will be of consistently high standard even in high usage situations – regardless of whether your neighbour is downloading movies, or the person across the hall streaming 4K videos off YouTube.”

    He said the testing also indicates that the beamforming capabilities of Massive MIMO can deliver significant improvements in areas with high density populations, such as high-rises.

    In January, Huawei also completed field verification of the first FDD-based Massive MIMO technology, in collaboration with China Unicom. Major vendors showcased Massive MIMO technologies at Mobile World Congress 2017 this week.

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  • Huawei, Unicom complete FDD Massive MIMO field trial

    Huawei, Unicom complete FDD Massive MIMO field trial

    Huawei and China Unicom have completed field verification of what they are billing as the industry’s first FDD-based Massive MIMO technology.

    The field test used the existing two-antenna receiving terminal on the 20MHz spectrum and an FDD LTE commercial terminal to achieve a peak network rate of 697.3Mbps, nearly five times that of traditional FDD LTE.

    Huawei said the joint test demonstrated that the average mobile phone rate grows up to 87Mbps, enough for the smooth streaming of 4K HD video.

    Massive MIMO architecture requires large-scale antenna array elements and RF transceiver channels. Huawei’s solution uses it AAU technology, which integrates RF and antenna elements. The technology also uses 3D user-level beamforming to improve coverage and reduce interference.

    Huawei president of FDD products Cao Ming said when end-user devices supporting the 3GPP Release 10, 13 and 16 protocols – which define eight, 16 and 32 port multi-antenna technology respectively – become available, the spectral efficiency of Massive MIMO will improve further.

    He said Huawei will continue to drive the development of the FDD LTE Massive MIMO industry chain.

    “Our goal is to bring considerable commercial value to operators through innovative technology,” he said.

    “This successful field verification between Huawei and China Unicom, once again demonstrated the innovative capability of Huawei’s 4.5G Evolution technology. Huawei’s Massive MIMO product has the ability to evolve to 5G to protect the operator’s investment in the coming 5G era.”

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