Airgain Unveils Solar Powered 5G Repeater Revolution
In a significant leap forward for sustainable telecommunications, Airgain, Inc. has unveiled its latest innovation: the Lighthouse Solar™ Smart Network-Controlled Repeater (NCR).
This solar-powered device operates entirely off the grid, offering a transformative solution for expanding 5G coverage, especially in remote and underserved regions.
Revolutionising 5G Deployment with Solar Power
Traditional telecom infrastructure expansion often grapples with geographical challenges and exorbitant deployment costs. Airgain’s Lighthouse Solar™ addresses these issues head-on by providing a scalable, cost-effective alternative to conventional fibre and power-dependent systems.
By harnessing solar energy, this repeater eliminates the need for external power sources, making it an ideal choice for areas where extending the power grid is impractical.
Field trials have showcased the repeater’s impressive capabilities:
- Coverage Expansion: Achieved a 20% increase in 5G coverage, broadening network reach in both urban and rural settings.
- Speed Enhancement: Transformed data speeds from a mere 1 Mbps on existing 4G networks to an average exceeding 250 Mbps, with peaks reaching 425 Mbps, even in previously underserved locales.
- Spectrum Efficiency: Delivered over a 50% improvement in spectrum efficiency, optimizing network utilization and boosting operator profitability.
- Rapid Deployment: Capable of being installed in less than a day, the system reduces reliance on power grids and fiber backhaul, leading to significant cuts in both Capital Expenditures (CapEx) and Operating Expenditures (OpEx) for telecom carriers.
Dr. Ali Sadri, Chief Technology Officer at Airgain, emphasized the significance of this development: “This breakthrough positions Airgain at the forefront of the 5G infrastructure revolution. By offering a sustainable, grid-independent, and rapidly deployable solution, we are enabling telecom operators to expand their networks at lower costs, increase service reliability, and drive greater monetization opportunities—all while advancing global connectivity.”
Addressing the Challenges of Rural Connectivity
Expanding 5G networks into rural and remote areas has long been a challenge due to the high costs and logistical hurdles associated with traditional infrastructure. The Lighthouse Solar™ repeater offers a viable solution by:
- Eliminating Dependency on Power Grids: Its solar-powered design ensures that even the most isolated regions can receive robust 5G coverage without the need for extensive electrical infrastructure.
- Cost-Effective Deployment: By sidestepping the expenses related to laying fiber and establishing power connections, operators can achieve faster and more economical network rollouts.
- Enhancing User Experience: Communities previously plagued by slow internet speeds can now access high-speed connectivity, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Lighthouse Solar™ Smart NCR is engineered with advanced features to ensure optimal performance:
- Frequency Range: Operates within the 3300–4000 MHz band (n77), covering sub-6GHz frequencies.
- Bandwidth: Supports up to 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, accommodating various carrier aggregation and MIMO configurations.
- Smart Antenna Technology: Equipped with an optional built-in smart donor antenna featuring beam-switching capabilities, simplifying installation and enhancing signal quality.
- Automated Features: Incorporates TDD detection, gain control, and echo cancellation to maintain signal stability and quality.
These technical attributes underscore Airgain’s commitment to delivering high-performance, energy-efficient solutions that meet the evolving demands of the telecommunications industry.
Industry Implications and Future Prospects
The introduction of the Lighthouse Solar™ repeater signifies a pivotal moment in the telecom sector’s pursuit of sustainable and efficient network expansion. By removing traditional deployment bottlenecks, this solution paves the way for:
- Accelerated 5G Rollouts: Operators can swiftly extend their networks without the typical constraints of infrastructure development.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Improved coverage and speeds translate to better user experiences, fostering customer loyalty and opening new revenue streams.
- Environmental Benefits: Utilizing renewable energy sources aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing the carbon footprint associated with network operations.
Airgain plans to showcase the Lighthouse Solar™ solution at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona from March 3–6, 2025.
In collaboration with partners like Omantel, they will discuss sustainable and smart 5G wireless system solutions, highlighting the transformative potential of this technology.
Embracing a Sustainable Connected Future
As the demand for ubiquitous high-speed connectivity continues to surge, innovations like Airgain’s Lighthouse Solar™ Smart NCR are poised to redefine the landscape of network deployment. By combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, Airgain is not only addressing the immediate needs of telecom operators but also contributing to a more connected and environmentally conscious world.
For policymakers, industry investors, and construction professionals, this development offers a compelling case study in how technological ingenuity can overcome longstanding challenges, paving the way for a future where connectivity knows no bounds.
