Using SDR in base stations--No longer a Stealth Technology

Software Defined Radio is no longer used as a stealth technology but has become common place in base stations roll-outs as one example in the wireless infrastructure. In this SDR Forum post one can see the long list of tools now using SDR in their technology offering. One of the original providers of SDR base stations solutions is Vanu who announced the rollout of a multi-operator radio acccess network for rural areas.

ZTE a Chinese manufacturer of base stations is currently shipping a new version of their popular base station but with SDR technologies. In addition to being more energy efficient, it will also provide SDR capabilities for working with different carriers. CSL is rolling out SDR Base Stations in Hong Kong for LTE applications using ZTE systems.

Best regards,

Hall T.

LTE Won the Race for the Next Generation

Even though WiMax is rolling out in some portions of the country, LTE will be the next standard. By creating an all IP-based network it will unify mobile and fixed broadband worlds. Here's a great resource for information on 3G and 4G news.

The WiMax camp positions it the two as complementary and not competitive. In this post the author suggests that both will find a place in the market and that WiMax simply suffers from too much hype, too early in the process and is now paying the price while LTE appears to be a newcomer with all the "shininess" that comes with that role. WiMax was designed for backhaul applications and will continue in that role and LTE will find its applications as well.

While Wimax is seeing substantial growth now, the major carriers will role out LTE capabilities in the next 3 years. According to this post, the other major competitor will be HSPA.




Best regards,

Hall T.