Radio

Ericsson unveils advanced radios, antennas, and RAN Connect solutions to enhance programmability, efficiency, and sustainability in next-gen networks. (Image source: Ericsson)

As demand for high-performance programmable networks grows, Ericsson is enhancing its product portfolio to meet the industry’s evolving needs

Ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, the company is unveiling new radios, antennas, and open fronthaul solutions under the RAN Connect banner, aimed at empowering communications service providers (CSPs).

With these advancements, Ericsson will introduce 130 radio products supporting open and programmable networks in 2025. These solutions will account for over two-thirds of the company's deliveries, ensuring future-proof networks that enhance programmability, efficiency, and sustainability.

Introducing RAN Connect for open fronthaul

Ericsson’s RAN Connect introduces open fronthaul solutions that maximize scalability and efficiency by aggregating radio traffic. This supports modern RAN Compute capabilities, reinforcing Ericsson’s leadership in RAN evolution.

Key RAN Connect products include:

• RAN Connect 6381 – All-outdoor solution with 600Gbps capacity
• RAN Connect 6682 – High-capacity fronthaul with 1.2 Tbps throughput
• RAN Connect 6681 – 600Gbps indoor option for flexible interface configurations

Mårten Lerner, head of product area networks at Ericsson, highlighted the impact of these advancements, "With 5G expected to carry 80% of total mobile data traffic by the end of 2030, we see an industry need for 5G equipment that strikes the perfect balance between superior performance, best-in-class TCO, and unmatched sustainability."

Next-generation radios and antennas

Ericsson is further enhancing its portfolio with advanced radio solutions, including:

• AIR 3285 – Dual-band FDD Massive MIMO radio, offering 4x higher uplink capacity than traditional 4T solutions. It is 30% more energy efficient and has a 40% lower embodied carbon footprint.
• AIR 6494 & AIR 3265 – Next-gen TDD Massive MIMO radios, with up to 30% energy savings. The AIR 3265 is an ultra-light 32-branch radio, optimising power and efficiency.
• Radio 4451HP & Radio 4491 – High-performance FDD radios, with 20% lower energy use and up to 40% reduced embodied carbon.

Ericsson’s new innovations also include:

• Indoor Fusion Unit 8828 – Enables indoor gigabit 5G, covering 8,000 square meters with support for multiple operators.
• Interleaved Antennas 8001 & 8002 – Combines low-band FDD with Massive MIMO for efficient deployment.
• Antenna System Portfolio – 15% higher uplink throughput, 29% reduced radio power, and the flagship Antenna 4818, which offers best-in-class wind load reduction and sustainability.
• Power D620 – A Smart DC distribution system that enables remote power management, energy slicing, and zero-watt sleep for maximum efficiency.

Industry Leaders React to Ericsson’s Innovations

Mark Düsener, chief technology & information officer, at Swisscom, noted, "If we focus on delivering the right performance when needed and scaling it back when it is not, we can lower our total cost of ownership and strike the right balance. Thanks to Ericsson’s innovative products, we can optimize efficiency while meeting evolving demands."

Salim Kouidri, senior vice-president of Access Network Technology, T-Mobile, added, "Ericsson’s latest line-up of radios, antennas and RAN Connect provides scalable platforms for enhanced network capabilities. As 5G Advanced becomes more integrated, these advancements will elevate the business and customer experience."

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