Bringing 5G indoors: enhancing connectivity where we need it the most

Indoor connectivity is becoming increasingly critical for our digital future. To delve deeper into the fascinating world of indoor network innovations, let’s begin by asking a key question—why bring 5G indoors?

With most of the network traffic generated in indoor environments, the need for robust and efficient indoor network solutions is more pressing than ever.

The growing importance of indoor connectivity

By 2029, we anticipate a 17 percent increase in the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of data traffic per smartphone in North America[1] while the average mobile data consumption per smartphone is expected to reach 56 GB globally.[2]

Indoor small cells have become critical to keep pace with this unprecedented increase in traffic, offering a cost-efficient option to support 5G deployments. The necessity for indoor 5G solutions stems from spending over 90 percent of our time indoors, where we generate at least 80 percent of the total mobile traffic.[3]

This scenario is expected to grow, emphasizing the need for easy-to-install, cost-efficient, and high-capacity network solutions. The Ericsson Radio Dot System (RDS) is designed to meet these demands, offering unparalleled indoor network coverage and capacity.

Paving the way for 5G monetization

RDS supports the latest 5G business cases and delivers a multi-gigabit experience. Unlocking the potential of flawless indoor network technology, communications service providers (CSPs) can increase flexibility for enterprise connectivity, expand their coverage at a lower cost, and leverage asset tracking and location services across multiple indoor spaces. Neutral hosts can also benefit from this solution, increasing indoor capacity in a cost-efficient way, serving more venues with extended fiber reach, and connecting up to 12 networks with a single indoor system.

Cutting-edge efficiency through a wide range of capabilities

Radio dots address significant challenges that older systems face, such as complex installations and passive intermodulation issues, offering a superior alternative to traditional distributed antenna systems (DAS).

RDS supports both the low- and mid-band spectrum, up to 8x8 multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, and between one and four bands per dot. The solution results in an impressive capacity, which can exceed 3 Gbps over a coverage area of 1,200 sq m.

Connecting businesses of all sizes

Meeting the needs of larger enterprises, RDS can be easily mounted on different surfaces—such as walls, ceilings, and pipes—with tailored mounting brackets. The device connects to the Ericsson Indoor Radio Unit (IRU) through a simple ethernet port, which enables both the power and the signaling. The use of IRUs does not depend on frequency and technology—they can be easily configured to 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.

The Ericsson Indoor Fusion Unit is designed for smaller buildings. This plug-and-play solution integrates the IRU, the baseband, and a power supply, offering a one-box connectivity solution for smaller enterprises like restaurants and stores.

Shaping the digital future through indoor 5G

In conclusion, bringing 5G indoors is a critical step in the evolution of our digital infrastructure. It promises to unlock new possibilities, drive efficiency, and support the growing need for connectivity in our increasingly digital world.

As we embrace this next wave of technological advancement, the benefits of indoor 5G will become a cornerstone of our connected future. In the first episode of our Imagine Studio Unboxed series, we came to the same conclusion, emphasizing the transformative potential of indoor 5G and its importance for future connectivity.

[1] Ericsson Mobility Report, Business Review 2024

[2] Ericsson Mobility Report, November 2023

[3] Ericsson Mobility Report, November 2023