Wirepas and Nordic Semiconductor have demonstrated what it claims is the world’s first non-cellular 5G mesh connection.
The non-cellular 5G mesh allows anyone to deploy and connect devices in license-exempt, private 5G networks for the first time. It could allow for an opportunity to connect billions of devices easily and reliably.
The DECT-2020 standard New Radio is the first standard designed specifically for internet of things connectivity. The demo was built on Nordic Semiconductor’s commercial hardware, a DECT-2020 modem software and Wirepas suite software.
The DECT-2020 NR standard provides high deployment flexibility for communication:
- Ultra-reliable point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless links.
- Local area wireless access networks.
- Self-organizing local area wireless access network following a mesh network topology.
The wireless 5G connection in a network is a significant step in the final stages of product development. Previously, other solutions were not able to solve the problems of cost and reliability on scale, delaying deployment of any mesh network technologies.
The demonstration is the equivalent of the first global system for mobile communications (GSM) call made during mobile phone development programs.
Non-cellular advantages
While cellular 5G provides faster downloads, low latencies and higher bandwidth than the previous 4G generation, non-cellular 5G offers its own advantages including:
- No infrastructure needed.
- No single point of failure since all devices act as routers.
- 5G networks for IoT can be owned locally.
- 10 times cheaper than cellular 5G.
- Low carbon footprint compared to cellular 5G.
- Free international frequency requiring no license for 5G networks.
