Alcatel-Lucent has unveiled its new tiny lightRadio Base Stations measuring just 2.5 inches across that are set to replace the huts you would normally find at the bottom of cellphone towers. These tiny devices also cost 50 percent less to run than a traditional mobile base station and are set to revolutionize mobile data access in the next few years in the UK.
The tiny lightRadio Base Stations combine 2G, 3G, and LTE antennas with a SoC (System on Chip), making it small enough to mount on a lamppost. This innovative design not only increases broadband capacity by 30 percent but also simultaneously reduces operating costs and CO2 emissions by half. This dual benefit of enhanced performance and environmental sustainability makes lightRadio a game-changer in the telecommunications industry.
Technological Advancements and Benefits
One of the standout features of the new lightRadio devices is their firmware upgradability. This means that the devices can be updated with new software without needing to replace the hardware, ensuring they remain cutting-edge and capable of supporting future advancements in mobile technology. Additionally, these devices use “beam forming” technology to efficiently connect to wireless devices. Beam forming allows the base station to direct its signal in a specific direction rather than broadcasting it in all directions, which enhances the quality and reliability of the connection.
Once installed, lightRadio Base Stations can communicate back to the mobile operator’s network using an IP connection or via microwave wireless to a central base station. This flexibility in connectivity options ensures that the devices can be deployed in a variety of environments, from urban centers to remote rural areas, thereby expanding the reach of mobile networks.
Impact on Mobile Data Access
The introduction of lightRadio Base Stations is poised to significantly improve mobile data access. When they arrive in 2012, mobile data access could be rapidly improved thanks to the ease at which they can be fitted, requiring only an electricity supply. This ease of installation means that mobile operators can quickly deploy these devices to areas with poor coverage or high demand, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
Moreover, the reduction in operating costs by 50 percent is a substantial financial benefit for mobile operators. Lower operational expenses can translate to more competitive pricing for consumers, potentially making mobile data services more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the reduction in CO2 emissions aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, making lightRadio a responsible choice for the future of telecommunications.
The compact size of lightRadio Base Stations also means they can be discreetly installed in urban environments without the need for large, unsightly infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial in densely populated areas where space is at a premium and aesthetic considerations are important.
The new little lightRadio devices are also firmware upgradable and use “beam forming” to efficiently connect to wireless devices. Once installed it can either communicate back to the mobile operator’s network using an IP connection or via microwave wireless to a central base station.
When they arrive in 2012 mobile data access could be rapidly improved thanks to the ease at which they can be fitted an only needing an electricity supply.
Via Ubergizmo
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