Samsung, Qualcomm boost 5G downlinks with 1024 QAM
Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm Technologies have shown 1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) in both Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) spectrum bands
This is the first time 1024 QAM has been used for FDD and can increase throughput and boost spectral efficiency of 5G networks by 20%.
QAM is an advanced modulation technology to transmit data or information more efficiently. This directly relates to how many bits of data can be delivered in each transmission.
While 256 QAM is widely used in commercial networks, Samsung and Qualcomm Technologies recently accomplished the latest 1024 QAM defined in 3GPP Release 17 specifications. This enhanced QAM technology helps operators maximize their use of spectrum resources and allows mobile users to seamlessly enjoy various mobile services such as live video streaming and online multi-player gaming, which require higher download speeds.
- Samsung begins UK mass rollout of Open RAN
- Qualcomm buys Foundries.io
- Qualcomm to put Meta’s generative AI onto its chips
The test was conducted in Samsung’s R&D lab in Korea with 5G vRAN software and radios each supporting 2.1GHz (FDD) and 3.5GHz (TDD) bands. This connects to Qualcomm’s mobile phone form-factor test device equipped with the latest Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System.
This is a significant milestone as it is the first time the industry has accomplished 1024 QAM for FDD band. By using 20MHz bandwidth, the companies reached 485Mbit/s, achieving near-theoretical gain. This downlink speed is more than 20% higher than what is possible with the current 256 QAM.
In addition, Samsung plans to complete its ongoing tests of 1024 QAM in traditional RAN as well, and the technology is expected to be commercially available within this year.
“We believe enhancing spectral efficiency is essential in developing next-generation solutions. This achievement underscores Samsung’s ongoing commitment to push forward the frontiers of mobile technology,” said Ji-Yun Seol, Vice President, Head of Product Strategy, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our collaborative efforts with Qualcomm Technologies have once again yielded impressive results, and we look forward to harnessing our combined expertise to drive network innovation.”
Late last year, Samsung and Qualcomm Technologies showed the world’s first simultaneous 5G 2x uplink and 4x downlink carrier aggregation for FDD spectrum. The companies are continuing the collaboration.
www.samsung.com; www.qualcomm.com
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
