Ericsson and Intel to show live demo of 4G + 5G dynamic spectrum sharing at MWC 2019

Ericsson will show a live demonstration of the first activation of Ericsson Spectrum Sharing with an Intel 5G device at Mobile World Congress 2019. The demo will show that 4G and 5G traffic can run simultaneously on the same frequency carrier.

Enabled by unique intelligent scheduling algorithms, the Ericsson Spectrum Sharing software dynamically shares spectrum between 4G and 5G within the same frequency carrier based on the actual traffic demand. The solution is available on all Ericsson Radio System products shipped from 2015 onwards.

Per Narvinger, Head of Product Area Networks, Ericsson, says: “Our new Spectrum Sharing solution enables service providers to intelligently, flexibly and quickly introduce and add 5G within existing 4G carriers. With this Ericsson innovation, our customers can strengthen their 5G offering while continuing to invest in 4G, with the peace of mind that those investments will pay dividends when the time comes to switch on 5G.”

For every millisecond, the split of simultaneous 4G and 5G capacity is adjusted to secure an optimal performance for any mix of 4G and 5G active devices in the network. This minimizes spectrum wastage and results in the best end-user performance.

Asha Keddy, Corporate Vice President, Next Generation and Standards, Intel, says: “This live 5G demonstration in spectrum sharing showing that 4G and 5G traffic can run simultaneously on the same frequency carrier shows the power of innovation that is at work inside Ericsson and Intel to move 5G forward.”

The live demo will use a 4G and 5G capable radio from Ericsson Radio System, Intel’s 5G Mobile Trial Platform and a commercial 4G smartphone. This milestone demonstration of a unique Ericsson innovation will take place live during MWC 2019 in Barcelona in the Ericsson demonstration area.