In a groundbreaking move, Verizon has recently achieved download speeds of 5.5 Gbps in its 5G lab trial, conducted in collaboration with Samsung Electronics and MediaTek. This remarkable success was announced in a press release by the carrier, which emphasized the use of advanced carrier aggregation techniques.
Carrier aggregation allows for the combination of multiple spectrum channels, enhancing network performance. In this trial, six separate sub-6 GHz channels, including PCS, 850 MHz, AWS, CBRS, and C-band, were aggregated. Samsung’s virtualized RAN solution and MediaTek’s latest connectivity platform featuring 6CC technology played pivotal roles. Data routing through Samsung’s 5G Standalone core was crucial, showcasing the device capabilities for advanced applications.
Adam Koeppe, Verizon’s senior vice president of Technology Planning highlights the strategic goal: “Our goal is to provide cutting-edge solutions our customers need to thrive in today’s changing world. We will continue to push the boundaries of our technology and drive innovation in our industry.”
This lab trial not only demonstrates the potential of 5G technology but also underscores the significance of virtualization in shaping future mobile networks. Virtualization in the RAN allows for optimized network management, adaptation to user needs, and resource allocation flexibility. This can significantly enhance efficiency and performance.
Samsung’s Alok Shah stated: “Samsung has long been harnessing the power of virtualization and 5G to elevate networks around the globe. 5G Standalone adds exciting potential to the mix, including enhanced scalability and flexibility.”
MediaTek’s representative, HC Hwang, also expressed enthusiasm about the breakthrough: “Achieving 5.5 Gbps peak download speeds…highlights the potential of our next-generation chipset and sets the stage for new and exciting use cases in the 5G era.”
