STOCKHOLM — Ericsson says it will show a live demonstration of the first activation of its Ericsson Spectrum Sharing software with an Intel 5G device at Mobile World Congress 2019, which will show that 4G and 5G traffic can run simultaneously on the same frequency carrier.
Enabled by unique intelligent scheduling algorithms, the Ericsson Spectrum Sharing software enables smooth and fast network migration through simultaneous and dynamic support of 4G and 5G, Ericsson said in a news release on Friday. The solution can be activated on all Ericsson Radio System equipment shipped from 2015 onwards, the company said.
“Our new Spectrum Sharing solution enables service providers to intelligently, flexibly and quickly introduce and add 5G within existing 4G carriers. With this Ericsson innovation, our customers can strengthen their 5G offerings while continuing to invest in 4G, with the peace of mind that those investments will pay dividends when the time comes to switch on 5G,” Per Narvinger, head of product areas networks for Ericsson, said in the news release.
For every millisecond, the split of simultaneous 4G and 5G capacity is adjusted to secure an optimal performance for any mix of 4G and 5G active devices in the network, Ericsson said. This minimizes spectrum wastage and results in the best end-user performance, the company added.
“This live 5G demonstration in spectrum sharing showing that 4G and 5G traffic can run simultaneously on the same frequency carrier shows the power of innovation that is at work inside Ericsson and Intel to move 5G forward,” said Asha Keddy, corporate vice-president of next-generation technology and standards for Intel, in the news release.
The live demo will use a 4G- and 5G-capable radio from Ericsson Radio System, Intel’s 5G Mobile Trial Platform and a commercial 4G smartphone. The demonstration will take place live during Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona next week in the Ericsson demonstration area.
