5G network listening mode software saves development time
5G small cell developers can integrate network listening mode (NLM) capabilities to enable small cells to complete synchronisation, network monitoring and configuration steps automatically. The software introduced by CommAgility supports quick and seamless deployments of 5G small cells, said the company.
Engineers can add small cells to a network without reconfiguration time, advised CommAgility. The NLM software reduces risk, time to market, and development cost, claimed the company.
Accelerating 5G small cell deployment supports the the rapidly growing 5G market, especially time-sensitive, mission-critical applications that rely on temporary base stations for emergency 5G connectivity.
“Once powered up, 5G small cells must synchronise and configure by detecting surrounding network activity to avoid clashes with other base stations. As a result, deploying new small cells easily and automatically is an important capability for operators, emergency services, and private network owners,” said Alfred Rodriguez, senior vice president and general manager at CommAgility.
The NLM software is based on CommAgility’s 5G UE (user equipment) PHY software. It is provided as a pre-integrated and tested solution for NXP Semiconductor’s Layerscape Access LA9310 programmable baseband processor, saving further development effort.
The NLM software was developed specifically for the 5G FR1/sub-6GHz frequency range. CommAgility can customise the software to the specific needs of a customer project, including adapting it to other baseband processors if required.
CommAgility’s comprehensive software portfolio for 5G NR small cell product development includes pre-ported and validated PHY and stack software, a 5G core, and physical layer reference chains. This simplifies the development of 5G small cells and private networks, with the software’s flexible architecture making integration easier with hardware accelerators and libraries with versions available for both 5G gNodeB and UE product developers, said the company. CommAgility also offers the 5G Reference gNodeB, a pre-integrated reference design, and the SC-RF4-5Gn78 5G reference platform.
The NLM software will be available later this year.
CommAgility is part of the Wireless Telecom Group. Wireless Telecom Group designs and manufactures RF and microwave components, modules, systems and instruments. Its product portfolio includes peak power meters, signal generators, phase noise analyzers, signal processing modules, 5G and LTE PHY/stack software, noise sources, and programmable noise generators.
