Ericsson and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna collaborate on innovative integrated photonic 5G technology

June 25, 2015, 10:00 (CEST) Download:

• Ericsson and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa are studying and prototyping innovative photonic components, modules, and subsystems that will play a disruptive role in 5G system development
• The collaboration will focus on research and development of cost-effective solutions for mobile Fronthaul and Backhaul in the Radio Access Network and ultra-high speed data center interconnectivity
• More than 100 researchers are involved in this collaboration

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, a center of excellence in the area of optical networks and technologies, today announced a collaboration to introduce advanced integrated photonic components and optical solutions for enabling high-speed connectivity in an increasing connected world.

Network optical technologies must continually evolve to support a complex and varied range of communication services, which is compounded by a 2020 outlook of more than nine billion mobile subscribers and 26 billion connected devices. Optical innovation is a key element for enabling cost-effective, reliable, high-capacity and low-latency communications for a rich quality of experience in the era of 5G, which will enable the full potential of the Networked Society.

As mobile broadband penetration and speeds increase, so must the need for high-speed transport links to radio sites. As a result, fiber infrastructure is becoming more prevalent in the Radio Access Network (RAN). Integrated photonic technologies are changing the optical communication industry's future with the promise of reductions in costs, power consumption, and footprint. 5G transport and networking for the Networked Society is the driver for such optical investment. This collaboration will focus on cost-effective solutions for mobile Fronthaul and Backhaul in the RAN and ultra-high speed data center interconnectivity.

Giancarlo Prati, Director of the TeCIP Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, says: "We have entered an exciting new stage of cooperation with Ericsson, where integrated photonics will join electronics technologies for innovative solutions in the mobile platform of the future. This step confirms Pisa as a reference site for photonics worldwide, and an example of real collaboration between industry and academy."

Nunzio Mirtillo, President of Region Mediterranean, Ericsson says: "Ericsson and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna have a long history of successful cooperation and we share the belief that connectivity benefits people, business, and society by improving the quality of life and thereby contributing to sustainable development for all"

Ericsson is a founding member of leading initiatives for the development of 5G around the world, including the European 5G PPP and METIS, an EU project that aims to lay the foundations for 5G technology. In addition, Ericsson has signed 5G joint research agreements with King's College London (UK) and Technische Universität Dresden (Germany).

Ericsson is also founder of the cross-industries initiative 5G for Sweden, together with the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Scania, Volvo Construction Equipment, Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, Linköping University, and Swedish ICT (part of Research Institutes of Sweden).