The pair used E-band spectrum to connect small cells and macro cells in areas where fiber is challenging to deploy
Earlier this week, Nokia claimed to have achieved a record breaking 9.85 backhaul capacity on Indian operator Vodafone Idea’s 5G network using E-band (60GHz to 90GHz) spectrum in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
In a tweet, Nokia explained that the companies used the E-band spectrum to connect small cells and macro cells with “fiber-like speed” in areas where fiber is challenging to deploy, “unlocking the true potential of 5G.”
As far as the tech goes, the trial was supported by Nokia’s Wavence backhaul solution, which the company recently upgraded, along with Cross Polarization Interference Cancellation (XPIC) technology.
In addition to trialing E-band, Vodafone Idea is exploring the use of spectrum in the 3.3GHz-3.6GHz band and millimeter wave (mmWave) band (24.25GHz-28.5GHz).
The operator claimed a download speed of up to 1.5 Gbps in 3.5 Ghz bands during trials network in Gandhinagar and Pune, and a peak speed of over 3.7 Gbps during its mmWave trials, which took place in Pune in a lab setup of an end-to-end captive network of Cloud Core, new generation Transport and Radio Access Network (RAN).
Prior to this partnership, Vodafone Idea and Nokia worked together on what they deemed to be the world’s largest deployment of Dynamic Spectrum Refarming (DSR) in India, as well as the country’s biggest massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (mMIMO) installation.
About this news, Senior VP and Head of India at Nokia Sanjay Malik commented that “at a time when connectivity is so crucial” — meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic — DSO and mMIMO will help the operator “enhance network capacity and improve the experience for their customers.”
