What are you announcing today?
A: We are announcing a technology milestone in the development of 5G. Together with Qualcomm and in collaboration with numerous global operators we are demonstrating a multi-vendor 5G interoperability connection compliant with the newly approved Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G New Radio (NR) global 3GPP standard. Interoperability among different vendors is a critical milestone for 5G’s development towards commercialization. This demonstration showcased both sub-6 GHz and mmWave end-to-end 5G NR systems, using Ericsson’s 5G NR pre-commercial base stations and Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G NR UE (user equipment) prototypes.
How relevant is the news and why is it important?
A: The first 5G NR specifications have just been approved (December 20), which means that the first 5G standard is completed. It is the whole industry joint effort to accelerate 5G commercialization for certain user cases.
This announcement confirms participated vendor’s leadership in realizing 3GPP complied 5G products to the market.
The timely claim of 3GPP compliance with a leading eco-system partner is a vital milestone to gain technology leadership position in early 5G introduction.
When was the demo conducted (only on reactive basis)?
A: Demos started on Friday last week and were completed this week. The demos are in line with specifications approved during the 3GPP RAN Plenary meeting taking place in Lisbon Dec 18-21.
Is the technology used for the demo truly complied with the specification approved in Lisbon?
Yes. The specifications have been gradually defined (the last set of meetings were in Reno, 27 Nov – 1 Dec) and now confirmed and approved at the 3GPP Plenary Meeting in Lisbon. We compliant to waveform, channel codecs, flexible slot-based frame structure, mmWave for mobile.
Why could you do that before the standard was approved?
The specifications have been gradually defined (the last set of meetings were in Reno, 27 Nov – 1 Dec) and now confirmed and approved at the 3GPP Plenary Meeting in Lisbon. And, we can confirm that the demonstration is complied with the specification approved in Lisbon.
How was the demo conducted, whose technology was used?
A: The over-the-air Interoperability Development Testing (IODT) was conducted for lower layer data connections operating at both 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz bands, using Ericsson’s 5G NR pre-commercial base stations and Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G NR device prototypes.
What is the roles of operators involved?
A: Multiple operators have joined the demo and witnessed the milestone. Such observation by the participated operators is key for technology vendors to be able to claim the success and relevance of the demo as well as answer questions.
What does multi-vendor mean?
A: Multi-vendor means that 5G radio is from Ericsson and 5G device prototype is from Qualcomm. This demonstration showcased both sub-6 GHz and mmWave end-to-end 5G NR systems.
Does it mean 5G is coming to the market earlier?
A: The successful interoperability demonstrations show the companies’ combined strength in carrying out timely trials that pave the way for commercial launches of 5G standard-compliant infrastructure and devices. Ericsson’s 5G NR pre-commercial base stations and Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G NR device prototypes will enable operators to conduct live tests in their own networks from 2018 and plan their commercial launch accordingly.