Nokia has expanded its 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) technology with the release of a new outdoor receiver and indoor gateway with Wi-Fi 7.
The devices are designed to allow operators to conserve radio capacity while improving coverage of the FWA service. Nokia said operators could save as much as 60% of potentially wasted network capacity by placing the right device in the right location inside the consumer’s home or business.
The process entails putting outdoor receivers where signals are weaker and indoor gateways where signals are stronger. Combined with intelligent smartphone applications, this alone could help operators recover 30% network capacity, Nokia said.
Called the FastMile 5G FWA receiver, the device can be self-installed by consumers on a window, a wall or a pole. The receiver includes a mobile app that allows users to identify the optimal location to install the receiver. Features include:
- High gain antenna up to 10dBi
- Bandwidth aggregation up to 300MHz
- 2.5GE LAN port, TR-069 & TR-369 support
The FastMile 5G Gateway 7 extends 5G speeds through the home while supporting applications embedded in the device like Wi-Fi optimization, Wi-Fi device management and EasyMesh. Features include:
- High gain antenna up to 8dBi
- Bandwidth aggregation up to 200MHz
- TR-069 & TR-369 support
- Corteca software
What is FWA?
5G FWA is seen as an alternative to broadband using 5G cellular to supply wireless technology for home-based networks. 5G signals are converted into Wi-Fi signals through base station construction and paired FWA devices as user internet connections. The technology has also been moving forward with 5G new radio interfaces, network slicing, massive MIMO and quality of service guarantees.
FWA has advantages over fiber-to-the-home in terms of infrastructure and maintenance costs including in ground excavation, burying cable and installation in buildings and households. With governments looking to expand broadband, many are seeing wireless as a low-cost means to provide broadband internet services.
