Cobham integrates vRAN capabilities with flagship idDAS

Next generation of intelligent digital DAS technology now offers direct connection to the network core, with virtualised capabilities reducing CapEx and OpEx

STEVENAGE, UK – Cobham Wireless has today announced the next stage in the development of its patented idDAS (intelligent digital Distributed Antenna System), and is amongst the first in the industry to have a DAS which is interoperable with vRAN (virtualised radio access networks) capabilities, providing an end-to-end, high-capacity, cost-effective coverage solution. Cobham Wireless will highlight the vRAN integration at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona this month.

Through continuing R&D efforts, Cobham Wireless is now ready to support both C-RAN and vRAN architectures. This vRAN approach replaces baseband units (BBUs) with the use of commercial off-the-shelf technology and virtualised software, which are hosted in a flexible, data centre environment. With less proprietary hardware and lower energy consumption, the idDAS/vRAN integration produces a cost- and energy-efficient, 5G-ready solution.

This innovative architecture can also be easily and cost-effectively scaled and supports plug-and-play expanded network coverage. The solution offers dynamic management of resources for in-building cellular coverage, supporting current 3G and 4G standards, whilst being easily upgradable to support 5G further down the line.

“Operators are facing a capacity challenge, and with more people using high-bandwidth services and the number of IoT applications growing, this will only increase,” commented Rami Hasarchi, VP Coverage, Cobham Wireless. “Virtualising the RAN for in-building coverage offers the ideal solution to this problem, maximising spectrum efficiency and end-user experience, while vastly reducing running costs. Integrating vRAN capabilities into our idDAS is an exciting step forward on the road to 5G, delivering flexibility to operators and enterprises, and a means of future-proofing their businesses.”

Cobham Wireless will be showcasing idDAS, on Stand 6D50 at Mobile World Congress, from 26 February to 1 March 2018. The innovation is just one in a comprehensive portfolio of solutions Cobham Wireless has developed to support operators and industry players now, and as well as readying networks for 5G.

By engaging with customers early and working to develop solutions which meet and generate business goals, Cobham Wireless is playing a key role in the 5G ecosystem. Its coverage solutions deliver on the current and future requirements of operators, and will help define the course to 5G.