Cellular 4G (LTE), 5G (FR1 FR2)

Enabling your Innovation

As consumers, we see smartphones as a driver of new technology with ever-increasing features and connectivity speeds. The technology embedded with these devices is then used in many other host equipment that needs faster and mobile connectivity options in devices such as wearables, IoT products, and other ‘smart’ devices. 

4G, otherwise known as Long Term Evolution (LTE) was released in 2015 but has had many upgrades to build on the technology and provide end-users with enhanced data rates and features. 4G (core) networks will continue to be around for many years as a data bearer for cellular communication and voice calls, leaving the new generation 5G to focus on delivering ever-faster network speeds and other new features based on new use cases for the technology. 

In the 5G world, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) is focused on providing smartphones with faster data rates. Whilst consumers see this already, it will continue over the years ahead as the operators build out their networks that allow more carrier components to be used simultaneously and thereby further increase the network efficiency and data speeds for its customers. 

Ultra-reliable & low latency communication (URLLC) is a feature introduced into cellular network structures to provide safety and time-critical services to applications that need it. These end markets include autonomous vehicles, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications including IIoT where the risk of data not getting through, or is delay will have a serious implication for the health and/or safety of the device that it is connected to, and its users. A linked subset of the industry which helps secure this reduced latency in communication is Edge computing whereby the processing of the information and data is performed close to the base station itself thereby reducing the possibility of data not getting through to remote data servers and reduced communications paths, thus reducing the latency.  

As more IoT devices are connected to the internet, the network needs to be able to deal with the large volumes of data through Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). Bandwidth is a critical factor and simply comes down to more bandwidth equalling more data throughput.  

Element provides a full range of cellular test services covering RF/RRM, OTA, SAR, HAC for smartphones as well as CPE for the end markets in which these devices are used and is recognized by industry bodies such as CTIA/PTCRB and GCF as well as the Network operators on which these devices will be used. 

Continuous investments in cutting edge technology enable Element to test for multiple carrier aggregation, MIMO, beamforming/steering to the latest 3GPP specifications. 

 To find out how Element can help you with your connectivity and interoperability challenges, engage with one of our experts today.