TE Connectivity, Alcatel-Lucent intros new solution for mobile operators

MINNEAPOLIS, USA: TE Connectivity (TEL) and Alcatel-Lucent, leaders in electronic connectivity, have developed a solution allowing mobile operators to reduce the time, materials and power required to connect customers in high-capacity locations such as sports stadiums, train stations and business parks.

The solution delivers the first of its kind common digital interface between the Alcatel-Lucent mobile Ultra-Broadband access portfolio and the TE FlexWave, digital Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). It will be available for commercial deployment during the second quarter of 2014.

DAS networks deliver enhanced coverage and capacity to subscribers in high-traffic locations. With the ability to support multiple service providers across multiple technologies and multiple frequency bands - the TE FlexWave (Prism & Spectrum) digital DAS products enable huge efficiencies for operators.

However, even with the efficiencies of TE's DAS, the DAS still needs to connect to the macro network, which previously required each operator's base station to be equipped with RF processing and attenuation panels.

The Alcatel-Lucent and TE pre-integrated solution removes the need for RF processing and attenuation panels on site which reduces physical equipment by more than 50 per cent and cost of materials by 40 per cent.

Additional cost savings will also be achieved by using less power (equipment consumption & cooling), space and fiber utilization, resulting in operational improvements and meeting sustainability demands. By deploying the new solution in large, high-traffic shared-operator venues, mobile operators will be able to meet demand for coverage and capacity while lowering their cost of ownership.

Glenn Booth, vice president & general manager, LTE Business Unit and Wireless Strategy, Alcatel-Lucent said, "Wireless operators are leveraging new technologies to provide Ultra-Broadband wireless experiences for their subscribers while accommodating an ever-growing demand for capacity and speed. Alcatel-Lucent continues to focus on delivering comprehensive solutions with which to build those networks, including 3G, 4G, Small Cells, and Wi-Fi for outdoor, indoor, and venue applications."

"We are pleased to work with TE Connectivity to significantly evolve and enhance DAS solutions and add that to our portfolio of Ultra-Broadband wireless and IP network solutions," added Booth.