As the bandwidth needs of communications networks continue to grow, the next wave in mobile innovation, 5G, is beginning to take shape. Helping network operators prepare for 5G is where CommScope is focused, which the company demonstrated at 5G MENA 2017.
"CommScope is working with network operators in the MENA region on how new technologies such as 5G will be deployed so that they are ready to address the bandwidth and service needs of their customers," said Joseph Habib, head of Service Providers in the Middle East, CommScope.
"With continued densification of wireless networks expected for 5G, CommScope has expanded its indoor small cell and outdoor metro cell solutions, while evolving our distributed antenna system (DAS) solutions. CommScope is part of many of the industry groups developing and testing network solutions for 5G, further demonstrating our expertise and commitment to innovation."
Key trends CommScope highlighted based on insight from customers and partners:
- The Definition of 5G: 5G is slowly transitioning from an industry vision to a tangible, next-generation mobile technology. Some network operators have already announced 5G trials and pre-standard deployments of 5G technology. CommScope’s fundamental viewpoint is that 5G will be a "network of networks"-a convergence of wireline and wireless with deep fibre penetration in both to support the variety of 5G use cases.
- Use Cases for Enabling the Connected Lifestyle: The wireless industry has coalesced around three primary use cases for 5G: enhanced mobile broadband, the Internet of Things and ultra-low latency applications. 5G envisions super-fast data rates for each user, massive machine-to-machine communications in which billions of devices send short bursts of information to other systems, and futuristic applications like autonomous cars and augmented reality.
- Benefits of a Single Common Network: Wireless operators envision 5G will help them to serve multiple customers from a unified, flexible network. Network slicing, enabled by network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined network (SDN) technologies, is what will make this possible. Fully scalable, programmable and flexible networks are the future with 5G.
- Laying the Foundation for 5G: The first step towards virtualizing network functions is deploying a centralized radio access network (C-RAN), which requires more fibre. CommScope will discuss its broad portfolio of fibre connectivity solutions for fronthaul and backhaul networks, as well as its unique C-RAN small cell solution for cell virtualization.
- Addressing Connectivity Challenges: The company also presented its major in-building wireless solutions, most notably IT-friendly distributed antenna system (DAS) and indoor small cell offerings. A summary of CommScope’s many years of experience in IBW can be found in the new In-Building Wireless Best Practices eBook.