Nokia Networks launches world's first 1 Gbps small cell

Nokia Networks delivers a new Flexi Zone outdoor modular base station that becomes the world's first small cell to achieve over 1 Gbps peak data rate. A bundle of services simplify small cell deployment and help operators to evolve to Ultra-Dense Networks.

With up to 90% of a small cell's total cost of ownership (TCO) consumed by its deployment and operation, Nokia Networks has lined up several innovations to address the major barriers. These include the optimal selection of viable sites, more efficient backhaul, improved plug and play technology, new energy-saving features and simplified synchronization between base stations.

Nokia Networks' new Flexi Zone G2 Multi-Band Carrier Aggregation Outdoor Micro/Pico Base Station (BTS) platform delivers exceptional capacity and greater than 1 Gbps peak data rate. By using three RF module slots, operators can deploy and aggregate between various radio access technologies and spectrum combinations including up to three LTE licensed carrier bands or configurations offering a combination of LTE licensed carrier bands, unlicensed LTE bands (LTE-U or LAA) and Wi-Fi.

Nokia HetNet Engine Room allows operators to deploy small cells 30% faster, with 20% lower costs and serve 10% more subscribers. Using detailed 3-D street level maps, the service calculates a 'Site Value Index' that quantifies the likely return on investment (ROI) for operators from different locations.


Randy Cox, Head of Small Cell Product Management at Nokia Networks, said: "Deploying a small cell on one side of a road can cost ten times more than at a location just a few meters away on the other side of the road. We are bringing a new approach that enables operators to pick the best sites and then deploy small cells and their backhaul quickly and at a much lower cost. Now operators can justify the business case for small cells and improve the return on their network investments."