5G:haus shows 5G full duplex

Sep 28, 2015

• 5G:haus solves the challenge of sending signals in both directions at the same time over the same wireless channel
• Field trial evaluates In Band Full Duplex (IBFD) capabilities under realistic network conditions for the first time in the world
• IBFD is based on self interference cancellation (SIC) technology from Kumu Networks

5G:haus recently completed a world first field trial of self-interference cancellation (SIC) technology together with Kumu Networks. SIC is a potential 5G technology that allows in-band full duplex communication. In other words, it solves the challenge of simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals at the same time and on the same frequency, thus significantly enhancing the spectral efficiency.

5G:haus - Full duplex transmission. zoom

In the field trial which took place on its local network in Prague, Czech Republic, Deutsche Telekom and Kumu Networks were able to evaluate the capabilities of SIC under realistic conditions and test the use of SIC to provide in-band full duplex communication. The field trial focused on measuring the stability and robustness of the technology in a variety of challenging, real-world deployment scenarios. The trial successfully demonstrated the potential of the technology to increase spectral efficiency and its relevance as an enabler for 5G networks.

"I’m delighted to see the first experimental results of a potential 5G technology in DT’s real network environment. We use field trials to get a better understanding of a technology’s potential and that helps us to identify use cases and applications in the context of 5G," says Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, Chief Technology Officer, Deutsche Telekom. "In 5G:haus, we will continue to test and evaluate advanced technologies that pave the way to 5G."

In the 5G:haus framework, Deutsche Telekom is engaging with leading research and industry partners to evaluate potential 5G technology enablers. 5G:haus leverages DT’s European footprint, with trials and evaluations taking place at many different host locations. DT and Kumu Networks cooperation within 5G:haus was announced in March 2015.

"We are pleased to partner with Deutsche Telekom as they take a leading role in exploring next generation wireless technologies on the path to 5G standardization," said Kumu Networks CEO David Cutrer. "DT’s Prague trials provide evidence that the assumed theoretical advantages of self-interference cancelling radios are indeed feasible. We are encouraged to accelerate the commercialization of the technology for near-term applications within the goal of realizing the full potential of the technology in a 5G framework."

In-band full duplex communication has a rich set of potential applications – it is defined in the NGMN Whitepaper as a Technology Building Block for 5G. In the 5G network architecture, it can enable efficient implementation of new radio features to achieve greater spectral efficiency and boost network capacity. Moreover, it can even provide benefits for today’s networks. For example, SIC could solve the small cell backhaul problem by allowing an efficient re-use of spectrum normally exclusively used to serve end-users, thus providing the so-called self-backhauled small cell. This product would allow the network operator to install small cells even in places, where they would otherwise not be possible due to missing or expensive backhaul connectivity.

Deutsche Telekom and Kumu Networks made a world-wide first public demonstration of the self backhauled small cell in June 2015 at the IWPC conference in Bonn.