Huawei releases X-Ethernet technology for 5G networks

The Chinese firm claims new technology will solve several 5G requirements.

Huawei released its X-Ethernet technology for “5G” bearer networks at the ITU-T 2020 FG Workshop and Demo Day Wireline Technology Enablers for 5G conference in Geneva, targeting the technology at integrated fronthaul/backhaul networks with deterministic low latency and end-to-end network slicing capabilities.

“In the 4G and ‘4.5G’ era, Ethernet is the dominant data bearer technology due to its simple, effective and low-cost characteristics,” Huawei noted in a statement. “In the coming 5G era, three key scenarios – [mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications and ultra-reliable low latency communications]– will set stringent requirements for bearer networks. Operators will need to satisfy 5G requirements such as fronthaul/backhaul convergence, service isolation and low latency in Ethernet while maintaining its existing advantages. That will pose a new challenge to the mobile bearer network domain.”

The Chinese vendor said the X-Ethernet solution solves the problem by offering features such as a layer 1.5 switch, hybrid multiplex and Ethernet end-to-end flexible hard pipe, adding the layer 1.5 switch is compatible with traditional Ethernet.

Huawei, as a member of the IMT-2020 Focus Group, participates in research on 5G bearer network technology, and that it’s open to collaborate with global partners, exploring Ethernet bearer network architecture and technologies to meet 5G requirements and develop new services.

Telenet, ZTE complete ‘Pre5G test in Belgium

Belgium operator Telenet and ZTE said they completed an outfield test of the vendor’s Pre5G technology, achieving 1.3 gigabit per second download speed in real network conditions.

Telenet is looking to complete the technology deployment in urban areas across Belgium by 2017, ZTE said.

“We’re very excited about the results of this test because the new speed record is a milestone on the way to 5G,” explained Telenet CTO Micha Berger. “The Pre5G networks are faster and provide higher capacity, improving mobile users’ broadband experience, especially in areas with high cellphone traffic.”

ZTE said the test was based on four commercial spectrum bands, and combined with Pre5G technologies including massive multiple-input/multiple-output antenna technology and 256 quadrature amplitude modulation.