Global fixed broadband subscribers expected to reach 1.6 billion by 2030 [1]. Despite these numbers, fixed broadband population penetration remains low, averaging 30-40% in most regions. [2]. Extending fixed networks to sparsely populated areas makes little business sense, so it could take many more decades to wire every corner of the world. And the satellite operators competing in these markets remain constrained by the bandwidth they can offer.
Make the most of your existing spectrum assets with 5G FWA
Fixed wireless access technologies exist as an alternative. Fortunately, many suburban and rural homes are within existing mobile coverage and increasingly have access to 5G. Mobile and converged carriers can use the 5G spectrum to provide broadband connectivity with fixed-grade speeds and service levels. 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is therefore a way to connect the many unconnected and a new source of revenue. According to GSMA Intelligence, more than 90 fixed broadband service providers in 48 countries have already launched his 5G FWA services. [3].
Capacity management is the key to FWA success
The first 5G deployments for mobile services used mid-band spectrum. By leveraging the same areas for FWA, we minimized implementation complexity and were able to quickly generate new revenue. 5G mid-band can deliver up to 100 Mbps or more, which is enough to support most applications.
However, the huge success of FWA implementation came with challenges. The usage profile of a home user is significantly different from that of a typical mobile subscriber, as bandwidth-intensive applications such as 4K video streaming and cloud gaming are more prevalent than traditional mobile devices. Masu. So, once FWA service utilization starts to exceed his 15%, the overall user experience deteriorates given that existing mobile users and his FWA subscribers are competing for the same limited resources. There is a possibility.
This means managing network capacity to ensure service levels (both fixed and mobile) can be a challenge. This is not as simple as adding capacity through cell densification, a strategy implemented to address capacity issues in urban and densely populated areas. In any case, this is not cost effective in suburban or rural areas.
Advanced CPE opens new possibilities for FWA
To address this capacity challenge and accelerate the adoption of 5G FWA, Nokia has introduced next-generation 5G fixed wireless broadband devices to its FastMile product portfolio. The latest products in this portfolio are the Nokia FastMile 5G Receiver (5G26-A) and the Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 7.
Nokia Fastmile 5G Receiver 5G26-A
Nokia FastMile 5G Receiver is a 5G receiver with 10 dBi high gain antenna and 180 degree field of view. Featuring a flexible outdoor design, the receiver can be mounted on windows, window grilles, poles, or balcony rails. This often requires no tools. This means consumers can install it themselves, resulting in lower implementation costs and higher customer satisfaction. FastMile receivers can be integrated into any home broadband network and can also be complemented with Nokia WiFi beacons to extend coverage throughout the home.
Nokia Fastmile 5G Gateway 7
Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 7 harnesses the power and performance of 5G networks and uses mesh Wi-Fi to distribute the network throughout your home. It comes with a high-gain antenna with up to 8 dBi gain and supports speeds up to 7 Gbps using Multi-Link Operation (MLO). The user experience is further enhanced by Nokia Corteca software, which uses containerized applications for value-added services that enable new revenue streams.
Increase efficiency with next-generation FWA CPE
Nokia’s FastMile FWA receivers and gateways play a key role in optimizing network capacity, especially for cell edge users. High-gain antennas improve the speed and coverage of FWA services while optimizing spectrum usage. Nokia FastMile 5G Receiver (5G26-A) and Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 7 improve radio efficiency with carrier aggregation supporting 300 MHz bandwidth.
Correct placement of the device is important, even if it is more effective. Nokia has developed a mobile application that guides consumers through the installation process, from locating the 5G radio, maximizing signal strength, activating the service, and managing the Wi-Fi network. Once a suitable placement is found, the network spends fewer resources establishing connections and maintains capacity.
A carrier survey conducted by Nokia found that 19% of users have sub-optimal connectivity due to improper placement of devices in the home. The study found that the right placement of devices with mobile apps in the home can restore up to 29% of wasted network capacity. Similarly, using Nokia’s FastMile receivers deployed outside the home, 62% of network capacity was restored, demonstrating the benefits of outdoor antennas.
Use mmWave for overlay networks
At the end of the spectrum, the use of mmWave has proven to significantly increase network capacity for service providers. 5G mmWave utilizes frequencies between 24 GHz and 300 GHz to deliver high capacity and ultra-low latency. Combining mmWave with high-gain antennas significantly increases the capacity available for 5G FWA.
Using 5G mmWave as a capacity overlay that only serves nearby FWA subscribers can free up 5G midband for mobile users and FWA customers farther away toward the cell edge. In an operator case study involving a large FWA operator, the use of mmWave overlays enabled coverage of up to 50% of homes within the cell radius. Because no additional infrastructure is required, the overlay strategy allows him to ramp up his FWA service incrementally and maximize capacity efficiency as utilization approaches 15%.
The use of mmWave complements other technologies such as satellite and benefits rural subscribers. Nokia has successfully introduced mmWave for his NBN in Australia, increasing broadband coverage up to 7 km across vast tracts of rural Australia. This project proves that mmWave is viable even at long distances with clear line-of-sight.
win-win for all
Compared to off-the-shelf or entry-level devices, next-generation FWA devices can create a significant competitive advantage for converged and mobile operators starting their FWA journey. Nokia FastMile 5G Receiver and Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 7 provide carriers with a highly capable next-generation CPE that can significantly improve network efficiency while reducing support costs in the long run. High interoperability and easy integration allow carriers to seamlessly upgrade their existing FWA users to his 5G. Combined with Nokia’s mmWave technology, carriers can confidently enhance their FWA deployments across urban, suburban and rural areas and expand both mobile and fixed subscriber bases.
source:
-
Key Topics – Global fixed broadband subscribers expected to grow by 18% to reach 1.6 billion by 2030
-
World Bank – World Development Indicators
-
GSMA – GSMA Intelligence
