Tag: qualcomm

Peplink’s 5GN Modem: A Leap Forward in 5G Connectivity

Peplink has taken a bold step forward with the introduction of its latest modem chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62, in the BR1 Pro 5GN and BR2 Pro 5GN routers. What makes this advancement noteworthy is that it comes at no additional cost, maintaining the same price point as its predecessor, the 5GH model. 

Breaking Down the Advancements

  1. Three-Way 5G Carrier Aggregation: The standout feature of the new 5GN models is the support for three-way 5G carrier aggregation. This translates to the potential for significantly higher speeds, offering users a more robust and responsive network experience.
  2. Simultaneous Low and Mid-Band Carrier Aggregation: Unlike its predecessor, the 5GN models enable carrier aggregation between low and mid-band frequencies simultaneously. This enhancement promises users improved speed, range, and reliability in their networks, particularly beneficial for those operating in areas with challenging signal conditions. It specifically covers the following bands:
    • 5G NA & NSA Sub-6GHz Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
    • 4G/LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
  3. Seamless 4G/5G Integration: The x62 cellular module on the 5GN models supports both SA (standalone) and NSA (non-standalone) Sub-6GHz, ensuring a smooth transition between 4G and 5G networks.

Technical Prowess of the X62 Modem

  1. Peak Modem Speeds: Utilizing technologies such as Wideband Envelope Tracking, 3-Way Carrier Aggregation, and AI-Enhanced Signal Boost, the X62 chipset achieves unprecedented peak modem speeds, setting new benchmarks for performance.
  2. Enhanced Performance in Challenging Areas: The x62’s ability to combine multiple 5G bands, including compatibility with C-Band, ensures superior service in areas historically prone to signal struggles.
  3. Power Efficiency: With a 4nm baseband chip and cutting-edge technology, the X62 delivers exceptional power efficiency, making it the most power-efficient chip to date.

5G Modem Evolution: X62 vs X55

  1. Future-Proof Design: The X62 implements “5G Phase 2” standards, positioning it as a future-proof modem chipset capable of keeping pace with the evolving 5G network landscape.
  2. Addressing Limitations: Compared to the earlier X55 modem, the X62 addresses limitations in combining multiple 5G bands, ensuring optimal performance, especially in fringe signal areas.
  3. Compatibility with C-Band: The X62 supports C-Band, a vital spectrum for 5G expansion, providing users with a comprehensive and compatible 5G experience.

Peplink’s Implementation Plan

Peplink plans to seamlessly integrate the new modems into its existing 5G product lines, starting with the MAX BR1 Pro 5G and the dual-5G MAX BR2 Pro 5G routers. This ensures that users can experience the enhanced capabilities of the X62 chipset without any changes to the routers themselves.

Embracing the Future of Connectivity

Peplink’s introduction of the 5GN models marks a significant leap in 5G connectivity, promising users faster speeds, improved reliability, and future-proof technology. With the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 chipset at its core, these routers exemplify Peplink’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the demands of an ever-expanding digital landscape. As 5G networks continue to evolve, the 5GN models stand poised to provide users with a seamless and unparalleled connectivity experience.

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iPhone 15 Pro Receives Boost in 5G Speeds

The iPhone 15 Pro, set to be released this week, will offer significant enhancements to its 5G performance. This is thanks to its new Qualcomm modem, according to data from SpeedSmart. This new iPhone model will utilize Qualcomm’s X70 modem, offering three key improvements: notably lower power consumption, improved 5G carrier aggregation capabilities, and better connectivity even when the iPhone is far from a cell tower.

Speed test results indicate that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will deliver up to 24% faster 5G speeds compared to the previous iPhone 14 Pro models. Verizon users will experience the most substantial improvements, followed by T-Mobile and AT&T. These enhancements primarily manifest as boosted download speeds, although there are also minor improvements in upload speeds and ping times.

On average, all three major US networks saw significant gains in download speeds, with an impressive average of 255 Mbps over 5G. Verizon had the largest improvement at 24% faster, followed closely by T-Mobile at 22% faster, with an average download speed of 300 Mbps nationwide. AT&T experienced a 14.6% increase in average download speed. These findings highlight the iPhone 15 Pro’s impressive 5G performance across the country.

While Qualcomm’s X70 modem is also used in flagship Android smartphones, Apple is actively working on developing its own in-house 5G modems, which are expected to be several years away. Qualcomm recently announced that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm 5G modems for iPhones at least through 2026.

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SIM vs. eSIM vs. iSIM – What is the Difference? 

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module. It is known as an integrated circuit (IC) and it’s meant to store the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key. This data is used to identify and authenticate subscribers on cellular devices. In other words, without this information, you cannot make calls or send text messages. 

Did you know there’s more than one type of SIM? 

When most of us think of SIM, we picture the physical card. This is known as a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). The other SIM types are fundamentally the same in that they carry an identity to present to the network. Each will then decide what network(s) you have access to. One major difference with a physical SIM card is that it can be taken out of one cellular device and moved into another. If you need to switch carriers or phones, this makes it easy.  

Eventually, manufacturing companies started embedding SIM cards into the motherboard on devices. This became known as the eSIM and can be a bit smaller than a physical SIM. You’ll generally see these in smartwatches. Since these cannot be moved from one device to another, they are electronically programmable. 

eSIM technology actually makes switching carriers even easier – at least in some ways. Instead of waiting for a new SIM card to ship or going out to pick one up, you can make the switch right on your phone with information provided from your carrier. If your phone has an eSIM inside there will be settings that allow you to configure it. You’ll be able to switch between lines and carriers, and manage your accounts. There are also phones with dual eSIM technology. In this case, you can support multiple accounts on one device. 

So, if a SIM card is a UICC, then an eSIM is an EUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card). An iSIM or Integrated SIM, also known as the Integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card (iUICC), takes up the least amount of space as it’s the smallest of the technologies. It is capable of everything that the eSIM is capable of. 

As you know, a physical SIM card requires a dedicated slot on a cellular device, while an eSIM requires a dedicated chip soldered to the device’s circuit board. In comparison, an iSIM is embedded within a Tamper-resistant element (TRE) on the device’s system-on-a-chip (SoC). It eliminates the need to depend on discrete SIM hardware and can be activated wirelessly using an industry-wide secure protocol.

In an article released earlier this year, Qualcomm highlighted the main benefits that iSIM technology offers for smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and other IoT devices and gadgets:

  • Simplifies and enhances device design and performance by releasing space previously occupied within a device
  • Consolidates the SIM functionality into the device’s main chipset alongside other critical capabilities such as GPU, CPU, and modem
  • Enables remote SIM provisioning by the operator leveraging the existing eSIM infrastructure
  • Opens mobile service connection capabilities to a host of devices that previously could not have SIM capabilities built-in

Are companies rushing to adopt eSIM or iSIM technology?

eSIM has actually been around since 2016, but hasn’t been used much outside of IoT and wearable devices. iSIM can lead to some vertically integrated solutions because you’re no longer having to source parts separately. Ideally, both would make everybody’s lives easier, but companies have to upgrade their processes for the sake of customers. Currently, there isn’t really a good process for building a device with an eSIM and then personalizing it with the carriers that you want. Once an eSIM carrier profile has been installed on an eUICC, it operates the same as a physical SIM, complete with a unique ICCID and network authentication key generated by the carrier. For example, if you get an eSIM from T-Mobile, it’s only going to access T-Mobile. It’s not the type you can just move to a different carrier. 

While carriers are finally starting to adopt eSIM, it’s still a slow process and they haven’t really done the same for iSIM yet. For iSIM to catch on, the module manufacturers have to provide good backends for people to be able to then personalize the connectivity. So, with regards to the process, there has to be some kind of functionality for the control of that iSIM to be given over to the solution providers so that they can decide on things like the network provider identity.

The use of iSIM in different forms of smart devices will allow various service providers and industries to harness a large number of data points that can then be harnessed to not only optimize physical assets like devices but also operations and services. Vodafone and Qualcomm showcased a proof of concept working with an iSIM (see earlier article) and demonstrated how an iSIM could be a valuable commodity in upcoming smartphones. For now though, companies like Apple are sticking to the eSIM technology with devices like their iPhone 14. 

So what does all this mean to me?

As the cellular industry and the technology involved progresses, it’s likely we’ll be seeing more eSIM and iSIM integration. With the high bandwidth and low latency benefits brought by 5G, it seems more companies are going to adopt the technology. Perhaps in an effort to keep the overall size of devices down, increase security for users, or to create more universally accessible devices.  Whatever the case may be, the important thing to note is that eSIM and iSIM are really no different than the traditional SIM “card.” You may not be able to touch either of them, but because of their application, the possibilities for the future are greater.

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What Alternatives Can Be Used to Expand 5G Coverage

Qualcomm Technologies, Ericsson and French aerospace company Thales announced this week that they would be starting work together. Their intention is to make 5G connections available everywhere through the use of space. The partnership formed within months of 3GPP having been approved for satellite-driven 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NTNs). This global effort will be accomplished through the use of combined satellite and terrestrial connectivity.

“For 5G to fulfill the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, it is imperative that it can also deliver network coverage in areas where terrestrial cellular networks do not exist, whether that be over oceans or in remote areas,” said John Smee, senior vice president of engineering at Qualcomm. “Our planned research with Ericsson and Thales will kick off an important step in making this vital technology a reality. We are looking forward to what this collaboration can accomplish.”

The goal of the three companies is to assist with global network coverage, including in areas that currently do not have terrestrial network capabilities. They’ll use a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, which will allow coverage to be expanded to areas previously not able to receive service. This includes extreme terrain, as well as across seas and oceans. Additionally, the group is hoping that in the event of an emergency, satellite connectivity could be used in place of or as a backup to terrestrial networks.

“This testing and validation cooperation between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies will be a major milestone in the history of communications,” said Erik Ekudden, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Ericsson. “The ultimate result could effectively mean that no matter where you are on Earth – in the middle of an ocean or the remotest forest – high-end, secure and cost-effective connectivity will be available through collaborative 5G satellite and terrestrial connectivity.”

Smartphone focused testing is in the works in an emulated space environment in France. Validation of 5G NTN began with 3GPP’s announcement back in March. The tests are designed to allow the teams to discover what components are needed to enable 5G connectivity between smartphones, satellites and terrestrial 5G network segments. Ideally, they will ensure that 5G NTN can be supported through use of a network-enabled smartphone.

Each company has its own role to play. Qualcomm is providing the smartphones that will verify if 5G NTN can be accessed by 5G enabled devices. Ericsson will work with part of the testing phase and will handle the 5G virtual RAN stack that has been altered to handle radio waves through quick moving satellites. Thales’ responsibility will be to verify that the payload will be able to be distributed by the satellites themselves. 

“The deployment of 5G networks marks a step change for the telecoms industry. It is a game changer, not only in terms of business opportunities but also in the skills required to connect and protect billions of people and things,” said Philippe Keryer, executive vice president of strategy, research and technology at Thales. “Thales is deeply involved in it through the different activities of the Group. The research collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies will demonstrate the belief of our companies that 5G non-terrestrial networks will contribute to this revolution and will take network resiliency and security to the next level.”

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How Qualcomm’s New RFFE Module Brings 5G & WiFi 7 Together

Qualcomm logo and symbol, meaning, history, PNG

Qualcomm Technologies, known as the world’s leading wireless technology innovator, offers an extensive portfolio of RF front-end (RFFE) micro-acoustic filter products. These are designed to help address 5G design challenges while improving RF performance. This in turn helps manufacturers develop power-efficient 5G multiband, multimode mobile devices in sleek form factors and industrial designs.

The company just announced a new RFFE module yesterday. This module will bring 5G along with WiFi 7 support to all the next generation of devices. They’ve noted that this RFFE solution is the best companion for an up-to-date mobile modem as it grants access to the new spec of “5G/Wi-Fi coexistence” on a given device, along with battery savings and better performance.

Naturally, the new Qualcomm tech is compatible with smartphones, but also with other IoT devices, VR headsets, and car systems. In this case of devices, you can actually get concurrent support for 5G and Wi-Fi 7/ 6E connections, which will result in much faster speeds and performance.

“With Qualcomm Technologies’ new products, we are extending our RFFE leadership into automotive and IoT, helping OEMs address their massive industry-specific challenges like development cost and scalability,” said Christian Block, senior vice president and general manager, RFFE, QUALCOMM Germany RFFE GmbH. “OEMs using our solutions can design products with higher performance, longer battery life and reduced commercialization time, ultimately accelerating the pace of innovation and delivering improved experiences to consumers.”

What is a RFFE module? 

RFFE stands for Radio Frequency Front End. The RF front end is generally defined as everything between the antenna and the digital baseband system. For a receiver, this “between” area includes all the filters, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and down-conversion mixer(s) needed to process the modulated signals received at the antenna into signals suitable for input into the baseband analog-to-digital converter (ADC). It is for this reason that the RF front end is often called the analog-to-digital or RF-to-baseband portion of a receiver.

Qualcomm is currently sampling the new front end modules to customers. As for commercial devices featuring the new solutions, these are expected to launch by the second half of 2022.

You can read all about the latest Qualcomm RFFE module here.

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How Inseego and Qualcomm Helped UScellular Launch 5G

New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor

As the fourth largest cellular in the United States, UScellular doesn’t make the headlines much. Now, with the collaboration of companies Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Inseego, they have launched its 5G mmWave high-speed internet service. This launch, which is happening in 10 cities, follows a friendly user trial that began in Janesville, WI. in 2021. It builds upon field testing that demonstrates the speed and range that 5G mmWave technology is capable of providing customers.

To compete with carriers T-Mobile and Verizon, UScellular has their own Home Internet+ solution, which comes with the launch of their 5G service. The service delivers speeds of up to 300 Mbps, an increase of 10-15 times compared to its 4G LTE home internet offering, and is a significant milestone in its multi-technology approach to providing High-Speed Internet solutions.

UScellular’s Home Internet+ uses the Inseego Wavemaker™ FW2010 outdoor 5G CPE, powered by the Qualcomm® 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 1 featuring Snapdragon® X55 5G Modem-RF System. It’s a great solution for users that require high-speed internet access in their homes or businesses. 

For this Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service, you’ll need to be located in parts of East Moline and Rock Island, IL.; Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Davenport, Dubuque and Waterloo, Iowa; Yakima, WA.; and Beloit and Janesville, WI.

Future plans for 2022 include increasing the Home Internet+ service within the aforementioned cities and expanding to dozens more in both urban and rural areas. This will include Springfield and Tipton, MO., Knoxville, TN., and Kenosha and Milwaukee, WI. 

“At UScellular, we are passionate and motivated to deliver on our mission of connecting people and communities to what matters most to them,” said Mike Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer for UScellular. “This FWA solution is key to providing customers affordable and reliable in-home connectivity no matter where they live, and we look forward to expanding it to more areas in 2022 and beyond.”

In comparison to other wireline options, 5G mmWave is an affordable and accessible solution that is quick and easy to set up. To harness the powerful benefits of 5G mmWave for UScellular’s next-generation internet service, Inseego leveraged the Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 1. This product provides a comprehensive, fully integrated modem-to-antenna 5G solution, which is engineered to streamline product development for multiple mobile broadband product categories, including sub-6 GHz, mmWave and extended-range mmWave CPE devices. 

The Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 1 is also designed to provide operators and OEMs, like Inseego, with the technology capabilities they need to tackle wireless complexity while enabling them to offer a diverse product portfolio to their customers.

“This expansion of delivering high-speed internet to untapped cities is a testament to Qualcomm Technologies efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said Gautam Sheoran, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “By equipping operators and OEMs with cost-effective, last-mile technologies, we are able to empower end users and enterprises with best-in-class 5G connectivity for homes and businesses, including those in previously underserved areas.”

The Inseego Wavemaker FW2010 outdoor CPE delivers multi-gigabit download speeds for data-hungry applications. It connects to a Wi-Fi router to provide secure and reliable internet access for numerous devices throughout a home, business, or office. With exceptional 5G cellular antenna performance, the FW2010 can extend mmWave coverage many miles away from a cell tower. It also supports 5G sub-6 GHz and Cat 22 LTE, making it great for a wide range of locations and applications.

“UScellular is committed to delivering first-class broadband experiences for their customers and to support the growth of connected communities. We congratulate them on this milestone launch,” said Inseego CEO Ashish Sharma. “The record-breaking performance of our Inseego Wavemaker FW2010 enables UScellular to unlock the vast potential of its 5G mmWave network and extends the reach of high-speed, high-capacity FWA broadband services to residential and business customers.”

Learn more about UScellular’s approach to FWA service here. Also, if you’re interested in determining your eligibility for the 5G service, and sign up for future updates, go to https://www.uscellular.com/home-internet-5G

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5G Service Paves the Way for New Gadgets

5G service is clearing the way for the next generation of electronics. We’re seeing that it is so much more than having the Internet on your smartphone. It gives us everything from enhanced virtual-reality video games, to remote surgery. While it has been a slower rollout, we’re continuing to see waves of 5G-enabled gadgets.

Samsung Electronics Co. has teamed up with Verizon Communications Inc. to offer wireless 5G routers – ones that have the ability to match performance of wired broadband. There’s also 5G-compatible laptops from several makers. Among the latest: Lenovo Group Ltd. in August teamed up with AT&T Inc. to release a 5G laptop, the ThinkPad X13 5G. Samsung in June also introduced a new laptop offering a 5G chip – the Galaxy Book Go 5G.

If you want a 5G connection on your yacht, miles offshore? Check out the Meridian 5G, a Monaco-based provider of internet services for superyachts advertises what it calls a 5G Dome Router (much like Pepwave’s HD Dome routers). It provides a combination of antennas and modems that allows yachts sailing within about 60 miles of the coast to access 5G connectivity. 

New drone technology unveiled in August by Qualcomm Inc. with 5G and artificial-intelligence capabilities. The technology, called the Qualcomm Flight RB5 5G Platform, enables higher-quality photo and video collection, the company says. Drones equipped with the 5G technology can be used across a range of industries, among them movie making, mapping and emergency services like firefighting, Qualcomm notes.

Additional hardware will include Internet of Things type devices like our smart speakers and doorbell cameras. This can of course apply not only to home and office appliances, but industrial equipment, hospital equipment, vehicles, etc. So as the coverage of 5G service slowly expands, so does the market of new technology to harness its power.

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