MWC 2022: New 7.2x 5G OpenRAN RU from Benetel addresses growing private & public network opportunities
28 February 2022
Benetel RAN650
OpenRAN hardware specialist, Benetel has expanded its range of radio units (RUs) with the introduction of the RAN650. This latest RU, featuring cutting-edge semiconductor technology from partners, Intel & Analog Devices, is intended to bring 5G capacity to private, campus & industrial networks, as well as rural networks & public hotspots – and will be showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022 in Barcelona from February 28 - March 3, Hall 7 Stand 7D71.
A 4T4R antenna arrangement is featured with up to 5W of output power being delivered per antenna port (equating to 20W in total). The 7.2x functional split employed will help minimise the costs associated with radio access network implementations, while support for 100MHz of instantaneous bandwidth will allow maximum coverage to be attained.
Benetel’s new RAN650 RU can be deployed in either a Cat A or Cat B based configuration (using selected distributed units), thereby providing flexibility to address radio access network architectures. Key to its elevated performance and versatility is the cutting-edge semiconductor technology that has been designed into it. Each RU incorporates an Intel Arria 10 FPGA, alongside an Analog Devices’ ADRV9029 4T4R transceiver with integrated digital pre-distortion (DPD). The initial version of the RAN650 covers the n77u (3.7GHz to 4.2GHz) frequency range. An n78 variant (3.3GHz to 3.8GHz) will be made available in the second quarter of 2022.
As Benetel CEO, Adrian O’Connor explains: “We are now expanding our OpenRAN portfolio with the RAN650, which can address a broad array of different 5G use cases. Our partners have been welcoming this platform already at early trials, making the RAN650 Benetel’s most important product launch to date.”
“Over the years, Analog Devices and Benetel have forged a mutually beneficial working relationship, with our leading RF technology playing a pivotal role in their RU designs,” adds Joe Barry, VP of Wireless Communications at Analog Devices. “Our involvement in Benetel’s development of the next generation RAN650 model extends this longstanding relationship further.”
“Benetel’s new RAN550 and RAN650 series of indoor and outdoor 4T4R radio solutions are enabled by the inherent versatility of Intel Arria 10 SoC FPGAs,” states Mike Fitton, VP of the Programmable Solutions Group at Intel. “We are pleased to expand our relationship with Benetel, via the RAN650, to meet customers’ needs.”
The RAN650 RU runs off a 48V supply. It has a typical power consumption of 100W. The robust IP65-rated enclosure use means that even the most challenging of outdoor conditions can be coped with. An operational temperature range spanning from -33°C to +45°C is supported.
The RAN650 complements Benetel’s existing OpenRAN portfolio, including the RAN550 indoor 5G RU that the company announced back in late 2020. Active network trials are already being conducted on the Benetel RAN650 by several pilot customers.
About Benetel
Benetel is at the forefront of 5G virtualisation offering a range of ORAN compatible Radio Units (RUs). With a 20-year history in wireless infrastructure, and more than 6M+ of Benetel designed radios deployed around the world, Benetel is meeting today’s challenges of virtualisation and disaggregation with leading-edge radio solutions for 5G disaggregated RAN and 4G/LTE Small Cells. Benetel is deploying 5G Radio Units, fully embracing the principle of openness. Working with leading vendors, partners, and open initiatives, such as the O-RAN ALLIANCE, the OpenAirInterface Software Alliance (OSA), Benetel is at the forefront of 5G radio technology. With presence in many geographical markets, Benetel is collaborating with the key CU/DU vendors to ensure interoperability and end to end functionality.
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