SK Telecom has held its latest 5G demonstration, partnering with Ericsson to build a small cell based on next generation radio frame architecture with minimal interference.
The Korean operator said the test overcame longstanding issues with small cells. Network quality can substantially deteriorate because of inter-cell interference, which is caused by Cell-specific Reference Signals collision.
Both companies said the new radio frame architecture and interference control technology more than doubled user performance at the cell edge, compared to LTE.
SK Telecom and Ericsson added that the technology would help to pave the way to future 5G networks, where hundreds of small cells help support a dramatically improved network quality.
Both companies are setting up a 5G testbed at SK Telecom’s Bundang Building this year to explore radio access technologies within the Korean mobile market. They are predicting a trial service to be launched in 2018.
Thomas Norén, Vice President and Head of Radio Product Management of Ericsson, said: “With the development of the 5G small cell system, an enabling technology for 5G, we move one step closer to realising the commercialisation of 5G. Building on our achievement, we will keep collaborating with SK Telecom to develop 5G enabling technologies and services to lead the upcoming 5G market.”
Alex Jinsung Choi, the Chief Technology Officer of SK Telecom, added: “SK Telecom is delighted to announce the successful development of the 5G small cell system that tackles the root cause of inter-cell interference. We will continue to work closely with Ericsson to develop key 5G technologies so as to demonstrate a 5G trial service in 2018.”