The O-RAN alliance has done a great job of specifying a set of interfaces that allow multiple radio access component vendors to work together, collaborate, and integrate a 5G radio access network. However, the specifications are designed to encompass many types of 5G RAN, such as a large wide area coverage network for a mobile operator, down to a tiny scale private network to cover an indoor location such as an office, workshop, or factory. The result is that the O-RAN standards have a multitude of options to choose from each vendor in the network has to align on. e.g., on the fronthaul network, there are multiple options for how the data is represented, encoded, and compressed. For a RU (Radio Unit) to interoperate with a DU (Distributed Unit), everything must exactly match. But which options to choose? Which are better for a given type or scale of radio access network?
Antevia Networks has created 5G SHIFT, which distills down only the most essential set of functions and options needed for deploying a 5G enterprise private network that is simple to design, fast to deploy, and easy to operate. By selecting the most beneficial features and options, it is possible to bring together an ecosystem of partners who can collaborate easily to create 5G private networks that match enterprises' demands for high-performing, affordable 5G connectivity in their workplace.
Antevia Networks 5G SHIFT's name comes from O-RAN SHared cell Intelligent Fronthaul Technology.Â
Let's break that down:
A. An O-RAN Shared Cell is a way of combining multiple radio access points into a single logical cell. This makes the design of the radio network very simple. It can also improve coverage and eliminate the usual set of issues brought about by inter-cell interference and poor user experience due to user equipment moving around and having to keep connecting to each cell in a network as it does so.
B. Intelligent Fronthaul Technology takes advantage of a new O-RAN-defined function in the network called a Fronthaul Multiplexor (FHM). Including an FHM in the network makes it possible to manipulate the streams of radio signals coming from each antenna to both control where each stream is flowing and extract valuable information about the network load and demand. In effect, the radio network becomes programmable, allowing areas of contiguous coverage and capacity to be created on the fly.
Antevia Networks has curated a small but growing ecosystem of partners around the 5G SHIFT architecture and technology and will be demonstrating the technology at MWC Barcelona 2024 in Hall 7, 7A15. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of 5G SHIFT, please get in touch or visit our stand.
Resource Contributors: Alex Smith VP of Product Management https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-d-smith/Â
Would you like to learn more?
If you would like to find out more about designing products from the ground up to match the requirements of small and medium enterprises, contact us at info@antevianetworks.comÂ