Qualcomm has announced significant updates to enhance digital transformation ahead of MWC Barcelona next week. These updates include:
Enhancing 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Deployment
Qualcomm unveiled the Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Ultra Gen 3 Platform to enhance global deployment of 5G mmWave FWA.
With superior mmWave performance and reduced power consumption by over 50%, this platform supports indoor and outdoor installations.
Its AI-enhanced system search and selection technology improves RF performance while offering enhanced self-install capabilities, reducing environmental impact, and meeting regional power standards.
Intelligent Computing Solutions for 5G Infrastructure
Qualcomm enhances 5G infrastructure with intelligent computing solutions:
Qualcomm Infrastructure Processors: Tailored for Open vRAN servers and cost-efficient 5G small cells, these processors offer high performance and lower TCO for MNOs. They prioritize AI workloads, easing cost burdens for 5G deployments in homes and small offices.
RAN and AI Processing Innovation: Leveraging heterogeneous computing, Qualcomm redefines AI and RAN workload processing in vRAN servers.
The Qualcomm Oryon CPU and integrated accelerators, alongside the X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card, optimize performance per watt and cost structures for Open vRAN setups, crucial for enhancing 5G network efficiency.
5G Small Cell Innovation: The Qualcomm FSM100 5G RAN platform, featuring the QIP100 Infrastructure Processor, is now available for small cell deployments.
It offers the ideal mix of performance, capacity, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for residential and small office environments, meeting the demand for high-speed, low-latency 5G connectivity.
Progress in Open vRAN Adoption
Qualcomm’s 5G infrastructure tools, particularly in Open vRAN platforms, are gaining traction, with Viettel showcasing speeds up to 1,200 Mbps using Qualcomm technology in their recent deployment.
Further advancements are anticipated, including Fujitsu’s O-RAN compliant 64TRX Massive MIMO Radio Unit and Qualcomm’s efficient vRAN servers, promising improved total cost of ownership for operators.
At MWC, Mavenir and Qualcomm will update on their collaboration, presenting a cost-reducing vDU solution and high-performing Massive MIMO Radios.
Boosting the Development of Smart 5G Infrastructure
Qualcomm Technologies is advancing 5G infrastructure with smart computing, integrating AI and powerful processing into their 5G RAN portfolio. This innovation boosts network performance, reduces costs, and promotes eco-friendliness for operators.
Offering Infrastructure Processors for vRAN servers and small cells, along with rapid deployment of 5G RAN platforms for Open vRAN, Qualcomm is poised to meet diverse operator requirements in the dynamic 5G landscape.
Advancements for 6G by Qualcomm
Qualcomm pioneers 6G solutions, focusing on enhancing 5G efficiency and exploring higher midband spectrum for Giga-MIMO technology to meet future capacity demands.
Key areas of innovation include:
- Improved mmWave Deployment: Expansion of 5G mmWave test network in San Diego with hybrid beamforming for better performance and flexible infrastructure options.
- Enhanced Wireless AI: Leading research in wireless AI for interoperable implementations across devices and networks, collaborating with Nokia Bell Labs on innovations like sequential learning and AI-enabled mmWave beam management.
- Digital Twin Network: Introducing the digital twin network concept for real-time modeling of wireless systems, aimed at enhancing user experiences and network performance.
- Sub-THz Research: Exploring sub-THz spectrum for 6G, demonstrating practical communication in the 140 GHz band and dynamic wireless links in data centers.
Exploring 5G Expansion
With over 1.5 billion 5G connections worldwide, Qualcomm aims to broaden 5G’s impact across various devices and industries.
- Better Car Connectivity: Advancing wireless tech for safer and enhanced automotive experiences, Qualcomm showcased its cloud platform supporting safer road use and demonstrated automotive safety at intersections.
- Enhanced AR: Collaborating with Hololight and Ericsson, Qualcomm aims to improve augmented reality across various network conditions by seamlessly switching processing between the cloud and devices.
- Evolution of 5G RedCap: Qualcomm demonstrates scaling 5G networks to support more devices with RedCap while conserving device power.
- 5G from Space: Qualcomm’s 5G NTN testbed showcases connectivity with satellites for wider coverage and backup during downtime, ensuring seamless mobility between terrestrial and satellite networks.
- 5G Broadcast for Media Delivery: Qualcomm, Rohde & Schwarz, and broadcasters are readying 5G broadcast for commercial use, aligning with the global smartphone ecosystem.
Introducing Wi-Fi 7 for Automobiles
Qualcomm introduces the Qualcomm QCA6797AQ, the first Automotive Grade Wi-Fi 7 Access Point solution.
It’s designed to meet advanced in-vehicle demands, featuring High Band Simultaneous (HBS), Multi-link Multi-Radio (MLMR), 320 MHz channel bandwidth, 4K QAM, and Adaptive Puncturing.
Key updates of Wi-Fi 7 for Automobiles include:
Improved reliability and reduced latency: Wi-Fi 7 enhances connection reliability with HBS MLMR, ensuring uninterrupted data transfers.
Operating on 5GHz and 6GHz channels simultaneously selects the best channel for smoother experiences, even in crowded environments.
Increased capacity and faster speeds: Utilizing the 6GHz spectrum, Wi-Fi 7 offers 320 MHz channels and 4K QAM for peak throughputs of up to 5.8 Gbps.
Adaptive Puncturing optimizes spectrum use, enabling higher data rates and lower latencies to accommodate the growing number of Wi-Fi devices in vehicles.
Advancing automotive through connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 integration enables automakers and fleet service providers to offer connected services, creating new revenue streams.
It facilitates faster software updates, efficient data offloading, and enhanced user experiences beyond the point of sale, fostering direct connections with consumers.
Availability
Qualcomm is scheduled to attend MWC Barcelona from February 26 to 29, 2024.