News in ICT and operator technology is rarely talked about in mainstream media. New products end up somewhere on the top of a tower or on the roof of a building and as long as they work, most of the end-users might not care how exactly they are connecting to the Internet, for as long as it works. Today I want to show you a new innovation that was unveiled by Ericsson and explain a bit about what makes it special and useful.
If you are looking for the latest evolution in multiband coverage, look no further than the Ericsson Radio 6646. This innovative new radio offers combined 900, 800, and 700MHz frequency bands into one compact 2G to 5G-capable radio, making it perfect for clients in Europe and beyond. With the global 5G rollout well underway, this product is sure to be a key part of the network infrastructure of many carriers and operators now and in the near future.
Video: Sten Axelsson about the Ericsson Radio 6646
The “Ericsson Radio System” family already counts with the best-in-class performance for both 4G and 5G and this new radio is no exception. The form factor is extremely compact, which allows a very tight integration into existing cell sites. The high degree of integration also means that less space on the tower or roof is required for the same number of sectors as with other solutions. The new radio is therefore an important key in the efficient development of high-capacity multi-band networks.
When checking into the product’s feature website, we quickly learn about the three major features of the Radio 6646, being that it is able to replace up to nine single-band radios, that it consumes 40% less power in comparison to single-sector 3-band radios, and finally that it weighs 60% less with its aluminum corpus. Let us have a look into the details.
Replacing up to 9 single-band radios
The Ericsson Radio 6646 can replace up to nine single-band radios, which makes it a more efficient and space-saving option for operators and carriers. This means that the new radio can be quickly and easily integrated into existing cell sites, saving time and money. Ericsson’s new Radio 6646 will be a more cost-efficient, economical, and sustainable option to expand 5G coverage. In addition, this radio is much more compact and flexible than other radios currently on the market – making it a great solution for businesses that are looking to save money and conserve energy.
40% less power consumption
I personally also liked that they worked to reduce power consumption. The Radio 6646 has 40% less power consumption vs. single-sector 3-band radios, making it a more efficient and environmentally friendly choice for wireless networks. This radio can handle 2G to 5G connectivity, making it a versatile option for expanding to nationwide and ubiquitous 5G coverage in Europe and beyond. Additionally, the Radio 6646 is compact and easy to install, making it an ideal choice for crowded urban areas and other settings where space is at a premium. By leveraging this solution a service provider is then able to improve coverage not only in urban areas but also rural and other remote locations thanks to the low and mid-band combination. In addition to its other features, the radio has a Deep Sleep function and passive cooling that extends its lifespan by minimizing the need for maintenance visits.
60% less weight & aluminum used
The Ericsson Radio 6646 is designed with portability and efficiency in mind. It offers 60% less weight and requires less aluminum, making it a more practical option for deployment in areas with limited resources. Additionally, Radio 6646 can operate on three frequency bands simultaneously, providing enhanced coverage for 2G to 5G networks. This makes it an ideal choice for clients in Europe who are looking to expand their multiband capabilities.
Is 5G already here? Will it come soon? Is it somehow there but not yet everywhere?
All of that is true, to a degree, depending on where you are located. 5G will be a game-changing technology. The full potential of 5G includes wide area 5G performance, allowing for 5G service everywhere. Low-band FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) spectrum is an important tool for expanding the range of wide-area 5G coverage through Carrier Aggregation with mid-band TDD and Massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output).
With the new 800 and 900 MHz support, there will be a smooth path to 5G. Service providers often face high costs from site rent due to weight, energy consumption, or the number of units on site; however, this radio provides a 60 percent decreased footprint while still offering increased capacity. Consequently, this makes the case stronger for investing in ubiquitous 5G Technology.
The reason why the new solution is aimed for usage in Europe is simply that Radio 6646 is tailored for frequency band combinations prevalent in Europe at the moment. It is built to include 700MHz, which is a European frequency band that can only be used with 800 and 900MHz. Ericsson aims to make this product available from Q1 2023.
Conclusion
The new Ericsson Radio 6646 is a powerful and compact multiband radio that extends the capabilities of existing tri-sector products. The radio is available primarily for clients in Europe and offers an excellent way to accelerate the deployment of networks in this region. With its support for 900, 800, and 700MHz frequency bands, the Ericsson Radio 6646 is a versatile and reliable radio that can be used in a variety of applications.
Is this just another product version X? Harder, better, faster, stronger, as Daft Punk might have asked? Yes and no. The product is an upgrade to something that previously existed, but what I like here is that Ericsson has more than that in mind. They pursue sustainability and a reduction of energy consumption. Not often do you see companies praise their new products for their significantly improved energy consumption or how a reduced weight helps the people who do the work on the ground. To me, this means that Ericsson has many pain points in mind when they work on new products. They want to do it better for the client, for the workers, but also for the environment, if you want to look beyond the cost of electricity.
If you want to find out more about the Ericsson Radio 6646 and related products, make sure you visit their product site with a lot of useful information and use cases.
