Ericsson, KPN launch C-RAN small cells in bus stop

Ericsson and telecommunications operator KPN have inaugurated a C-RAN small cell solution in a bus stop on the Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Today, operators are challenged to provide sufficient capacity to meet increasing traffic demands, particularly in dense urban areas where many users cluster at hot-spots. By deploying the bus stop C-RAN small cell solution, in collaboration with Ericsson and advertising company JCDecaux, KPN can provide seamless mobility for users moving in and out of the small cell coverage area. As a result, KPN can better meet customers' needs for capacity and performance - also referred to as app coverage.

The solution is equipped with Ericsson's new Radio 2203 offering and is fully integrated into the macro network using a centralized baseband deployment.

Using common baseband provides optimal coordination between macro and small cells, and delivers the best-possible TCO, performance and spectrum utilization, which are key concerns when embedding small cells into an existing macro environment. Inter-site carrier aggregation is added between macro cells operating on 800MHz and small cells on 1800MHz. Seamless mobility is provided for users moving in and out of the small cell coverage area.

Part of the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, the Ericsson Radio 2203 has best-in-class design when it comes to radio performance and power efficiency for medium-range 3GPP radio products.

Valter D'Avino, Head of Ericsson Western & Central Europe, says: "The new 2203 is small and light and evolves the micro part of Ericsson's portfolio making it easier than ever to deploy small and efficient single and multi-band micro radio installations. This enables our customer to respond quickly to the growing demand for capacity from the consumers".