Telecom Italia (TIM) has held what it claims to be the world’s first test of Full Duplex technology, which has doubled the transmission capacity of its LTE network.
The trial was held in Turin with start-up Kumu Networks. A self-backhauled LTE small cell with Full Duplex was tested in a live environment. A smart repeater allowed the cell to transmit and receive mobile signal on the same frequency, effectively doubling the network’s transmission capacity.
TIM said the tech would allow operators to simultaneously allow uplink and downlink to travel, even if the signals are of different intensities. The tech can also be used with small cells in areas where no traditional backhaul solution exists.
Full Duplex was highlighted by both companies as a key enabler of future 5G networks.
Gabriela Styf Sjoman, Head of TIM’s Engineering & TILAB, said: “We are very happy to announce this first “live” test. TIM has once again shown its ability and commitment to contributing to continuous global innovation, and confirmed its leadership position in research and development on new generation ultrabroadband.
“5G is a key network evolution towards more advanced digital services and we are not only committed to defining the standards, but also to contributing to key research and development initiatives that will be fundamental for a healthy eco-system in digital services, including the network, open platforms and services.
“Turin is fundamental in contributing to the research of such eco-system and once again capital of innovation thanks to the collaboration with the universities and some of the most advanced sector companies.”
Â