Connectivity Technology Blog

We have quite a few NTN presentations and webinars embedded in our blogs (see related posts 👇). Here is another one from Telit Cinterion. Quoting from the webinar preview : We will show how existing use cases benefit from NTN because of an additional communication path that increases reliability and application robustness. This next-generation satellite technology can enhance cellular network performance in challenging environments. These include scenarios with high mobility or limited terrestrial coverage.  NTN’s phased rollout will be key to our discussion. We will navigate the standardization stages that paved the way for its implementation.   The journey began with an initial study and progressed into 3GPP Release (Rel) 17 standardization activities. During this phase, existing standards were enhanced to enable the first stage of NTN operation in which the satellite acts as a relay. It allows the utilization of adapted cellular device hardware optimized for this technology.  The r

Kai Müller is an Expedition Leader and Medic, and former paramedic with extensive experience in polar operations. Kai worked as a paramedic in Germany, going from the ambulance to helicopters, to medical repatriations across Europe. He then joined the army, where he worked as a Medevac Sergeant, completing tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Kai left war zones behind and became a polar guide and expedition medic. He identified a need to improve telemedicine, so did so within his work in telecoms as a polar guide. Some months back, Tim Belfall shared on his LinkedIn post about how Kai Müller presented on how using portable Starlink and Telemedicine enhances the capabilities of paramedics working in extreme climates and locations. The video of the presentation is embedded below: Related Posts : Connectivity Technology Blog: Why Starlink is Already a Gamechanger Connectivity Technology Blog: KDDI Prepares for Disasters with Vehicle-Mounted Base Stations Backhauled via Starlink Connectivi

Wi-Fi has consistently been a popular topic on this blog so it prompted me to write about Wi-Fi support in Apple iPhone and other devices. The following 802.11 technologies are supported by different Apple devices. Not all devices support all technologies and the same device may support different technologies in different regions. The following is 802.11 compatibility and frequency band:  802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E),  802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5),  802.11n (Wi-Fi 4),  802.11a,  802.11b/g  2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Apple platforms supporting Wi-Fi 6E can join Wi-Fi 6E networks that are discoverable on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channels, and on 6 GHz Preferred Scanning Channels, where 6 GHz is allowed by regulatory domain. Wi‑Fi 6E isn’t available in mainland China. In addition, various roaming optimisation support technologies are implemented to improve roaming performance and device battery life with features such as: Radio Measurement (802.11k): To deliver the list of neighbouring access points. Fast BSS

Back in May, I attended the inaugural UK Telecoms Innovation (UKTIN) Ecosystem Conference. One of the talks from Microsoft caught my attention as the speaker was discussing the advantages of Hollow-Core Fibre. While the video or slides from that presentation aren't available, here is another talk from Infinera, who are experts in optical technology. In this talk, Geoff Bennett performs a reality check on HCF which is already being deployed in financial trading applications in the UK. Quoting from the talk description : Conventional optical fiber, as “an asset that keeps on giving”, has served our industry incredibly well over the past 30 years but we know that there are fundamental limits on fiber capacity. In addition the popularity of low latency applications like financial services and gaming are demanding lower latency, which can become a problem for silica-based fiber because light travels at about two thirds of the speed through glass as it does through air. Hollow Core Fiber

At the Telecoms Europe Summit 2024, Sandeep Raithatha, Head of Strategy, Innovation & 5G IoT at Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) Business spoke about the evolution of the private networks technology and real-life deployments, unlocking future possibilities and the critical role of partnerships in creating end-to-end solutions. He also shared a recent example of working with Accenture. His talk is embedded below: Related Posts : Private Networks Technology Blog: Industry 4.0 – Digital Transformation Enabled by Private Networks Private Networks Technology Blog  

Mobile connectivity is becoming a necessity and this is compelling mobile operators to provide coverage in very hard to reach areas within cities. One such example is in subways and metros where connectivity enhances the overall quality of life for commuters, improves safety and efficiency, and supports the growth of smart, connected urban environments. There are several other advantages like emergency communications, being able to communicate with friends/family/colleagues as and when required, and much more that I an not going to expand here. Some years back we made an explainer on how connectivity is provided in case of metro/subway here . While there were limited examples available then, we have seen a boom in underground connectivity since then.  Recently O2 Telefónica in Germany announced (in German, translated via Google translate): It was now possible for all passengers of the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) to access high speed connectivity. The Berlin subway, the backbone of

We have covered Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) as part of different posts in various blogs (see related posts at the bottom) but today we look at how FWA is deployed, thanks to a short tutorial by Mpirical. Before we go to the tutorial, we should also mention why we are discussing this again. This is mainly because FWA take-up is growing in many parts of the world and has gained importance as it's now providing the MNOs with a new source of (5G) revenue. Here's an interesting stat too: The monthly usage per AirFibre (FWA) subscription is 390 GB, 30% *higher* than for a JioFiber subscription. https://t.co/MGamLJE6xm — Tefficient 🚥 (@tefficient) April 22, 2024  Back in April, ABI Research predicted that worldwide FWA subscriptions are on a strong growth trajectory of a 14% CAGR 2023-29 and are set to reach almost 265 million by 2029. 5G FWA is expected to account for 45% of the total subscription base by 2029, reaching 118 million at a CAGR of 35%. Ericsson's Mobility Report

It's been a while since we created our first NTN tutorial. Since then NTN standardisation and development has gained significant momentum. There has also been no shortage of conferences and seminars dedicated to NTN, the most recent we have blogged about being  ETSI's Conference on "Non-Terrestrial Networks, a Native Component of 6G". In a Light Reading webinar last year, Qualcomm speakers discussed:  How the 3GPP standards roadmap for 5G non-terrestrial networking (NTN), starting with Release 17 specifications, can make satellite connectivity easily accessible to people and things globally How multiple companies are in the fray to establish 5G-capable satellite constellations and the capabilities they could bring along on the journey to ubiquitous connectivity How Qualcomm’s longstanding experience in satellite communications, and 5G leadership, makes it the ideal technology partner for 5G IoT-NTN and NR-NTN What is being envisioned for the future with 5G Advanced

Earlier this year, Telenor IoT, a leading brand in IoT Connectivity, published its annual IoT Predictions Report. It explains how combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), also known as AIoT or AI4IoT, is necessary for companies to stay competitive in today’s digital world. Quoting from the report : AIoT is the convergence of AI technologies into an IoT application where IoT represents data and AI - a set of analytical tools that enable extraction of value from data, also commonly termed ‘Internet of Intelligent Things’, ‘IoT with AI’, and ‘IoT Machine Learning’. These terms can be used interchangeably, and each describes an architecture that integrates both technologies in a single solution, a combination which can create a transformative impact. As seen in the diagram to the left, the integration of AI into an IoT deployment can occur at either the edge or in the cloud. The ability of cloud computing to offer scale, flexibility, and power beyond the re