Millimeter wave (mmWave) is the band of spectrum between 30 gigahertz (GHz) and 300 GHz. 26 GHz and 28 GHz have emerged as two of the most important bands in the 5G offerings. Samsung has cooperated with Qualcomm Technologies and Verizon to test 5G NR data connection by using a test phone.
Samsung's access unit (AU) is one of the simplest radio network configurations. An NR AU is a single point of access to all mobile radio communication integrated into a single device or a system.
NR is a new radio specification developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaboration between groups of telecom standards associations. It allows 5G devices to utilize a great range of frequencies and provides stability and compatibility between base stations and devices created by different makers.
Samsung said Wednesday that its new NR AU supporting 28 GHz spectrum displayed at this week's MWC Los Angeles 2019 is compliant to the 3GPP NR standard. As a 5G equipment partner, Samsung has deployed its first-generation 5G NR radio base stations in the U.S. with separated radio and digital units.
The new AU can be more easily installed on streetlight poles and building walls, providing operators a faster, simplified way to build out 5G networks, Samsung said, adding that operators can deliver higher 5G NR speeds to more users and improve cost-efficiency by eliminating the need for "fronthaul" fiber connections.
"Cultivating mmWave spectrum provides infinite opportunities by unlocking 5G’s full potential. We’re excited to advance the industry by offering a new vision and diverse options to our customers around the world," Samsung's networks business head Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun was quoted as saying.
Samsung is expanding its 5G portfolio to help operators have a wider choice in selecting radio solutions for different deployment scenarios. The company has commercial solutions for 2.5GHz, 3.5-4.1GHz, 26-28GHz and 39GHz.