Ericsson revs up the tempo on 5G Carrier Aggregation by combining six component carriers to set a record download speed of 5.7 Gbps for the world’s first 6CC (component carrier) data call.
The data call was achieved using three frequency division duplex (FDD) bands combined with three time division duplex (TDD) bands in sub-6 GHz, enabled by Ericsson RAN Compute hardware, state-of the-art carrier aggregation software and innovative Advanced RAN Coordination functionality.
The 3FDD + 3TDD carrier aggregation testing was carried out in an Ericsson lab with a user equipment simulator. By combining FDD spectrum with TDD spectrum, more users can benefit from carrier aggregation gains.
In total, 400 MHz of bandwidth was aggregated with FDD bandwidths ranging 20 to 50 MHz to achieve the 5.7 Gbps throughput. With six-component carrier capability, communications service providers can optimize use of network and spectrum assets to deliver higher data speeds and capacity that improve the experience of downlink-heavy applications. This can mean better audio and video quality for streaming users, faster file downloads and a better working environment for digital nomads.
Sibel Tombaz, head of product line 5G RAN at Ericsson Networks, said, "We are keeping the momentum on carrier aggregation by continuously stretching its potential to boost capacity and speed. Our successful 6CC data call shows how versatile our solution is and that we are poised to work with ecosystem partners to make this new band combination a reality. Our goal, as always, is to help customers meet end users’ growing appetite for high-capacity, ultra-high speed 5G."
“Carrier Aggregation is crucial to getting the best possible 5G performance out of scattered spectrum assets,” Tombaz added. “And with 6CC, service providers will be able to maximize use of allocated spectrum and optimize the combined bandwidth for superior mobile experience.”