Qualcomm unveils second-generation 5G fixed wireless access platform

Qualcomm Technologies announced its 2nd generation 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) platform. The new platform, powered by the fourth-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, will enable new business opportunities for mobile operators by allowing them to offer fixed internet broadband services to homes and businesses using their 5G network infrastructure. The new FWA platform also features the second generation extended-range Qualcomm QTM547 mmWave antenna module, support for extended-range high power 5G sub-6 GHz, the world’s first 5G sub-6 GHz support with eight receive (RX) antennas, and support for Qualcomm Dynamic Antenna Steering technology.

The platform also includes the Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform gen 2 Reference Design, which will enable manufacturers to commercialize 5G fixed wireless access devices quickly and cost-effectively, allowing consumers to experience a faster and more reliable internet connection with peak speeds of up to 10 Gigabit 5G. This comprehensive platform is designed to expand fixed wireless access reach and performance – helping operators to make this new “last mile” broadband option more widely available across urban, suburban and rural environments using their 5G network infrastructure.

Qualcomm Technologies is also announcing the new Snapdragon X12+ LTE Modem for FWA devices that rely solely on 4G networks. The Snapdragon X12+ modem enables device manufacturers and operators the ability to upgrade FWA devices with an LTE solution capable of achieving up to 600 Mbps.

With its extended-range 5G mmWave, extended-range high power 5G sub-6 GHz, and sub-6 GHz support with 8 receive antennas, the new platform will help improve networks capacity, expand coverage, and deliver the unsurpassed user experience. Qualcomm Fixed Wireless Access Platform gen 2 with its advanced capabilities such as mmWave-sub-6 GHz aggregation, and unprecedented bandwidth aggregation for downlink and uplink, will further extend the flexibility offered to operators to utilize their infrastructure and spectrum assets to expand their fixed wireless service with ease to new areas. It also helps to eliminate capital expenditures for dedicated fixed network rollouts, along with the need to get permits or have to send technicians out to every consumer’s home for installation. This can result in a smoother rollout, faster time to commercialization, and the ability to deliver 5G’s multi-gigabit speeds and low-latency connectivity to a wider customer base within their coverage footprint.

Additionally, OEMs will be able to accelerate Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) launch times and improve CPE performance and lower development efforts. All of this enables OEMs to scale diverse FWA product portfolios that accommodate the requirements of every major region around the world.

Gautam Sheoran, senior director, product management, Qualcomm Technologies said that this announcement further advances their efforts in addressing the “connectivity divide” by helping provide operators with a cost-effective way to deliver fiber-like Internet speeds wirelessly over 5G to rural, suburban and dense urban communities. The Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform gen 2 is a comprehensive, cost-effective, and scalable solution for operators and OEMs to deploy 5G’s multi-gigabit speeds and low-latency connectivity to homes, small businesses, schools, hospitals and town halls.

Key Technologies and Solutions Featured:

The Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform gen 2 expands the wireless ecosystem as an additional option that allows consumers to leap into 10 Gigabit 5G and experience a faster, more reliable internet connection at home. The plug-and-play installation process brings them a fast installation process without the need for technicians. Furthermore, the conveniences of installation will ultimately create more high-speed internet choices for the consumer.