Pivotal Commware has introduced a new 5G smart network repeater that redirects, extends and shapes 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) service coverage outdoors.
Pivot 5G is one component to Pivotal’s mmWave ecosystem based on holographic beam forming (HBF) that is designed to help solve the issues with mmWave connectivity. While mmWave is claimed to expand the speeds, bandwidth and lower latency of 5G technology, the connection struggles when traveling through obstacles such as walls, trees or buildings. One way around this challenge is to expand the network through repeaters or base stations that expand the coverage area.
The challenge becomes particularly complex inside where numerous obstacles are located. The Pivot 5G repeater is designed to close the coverage gap by providing specific clusters around areas where 5G is active rather than a general geography.
Pivotal’s ecosystem can be planned via WaveScape, a network modeling tool that can optimize network connectivity for subscribers. Along with the Pivot 5G outdoor repeater, Pivotal’s Echo 5G smart indoor repeater expands mmWave indoors for fast speeds. The mmWave ecosystem can be deployed in public spaces, homes, businesses and enterprises without having to rely on expensive base stations or other infrastructure equipment.
“Repeaters will play a role in opening up 5G mmWave coverage indoors, without the staggering cost of fiber-based solutions on every streetlight in town,” said Joe Madden, chief analyst at market research firm Mobile Experts. “We calculate that repeaters can save more than 70 percent of the cost of alternatives and can shave months or even years off the deployment timeline.”
