CommScope (NASDAQ:COMM) has added support for sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G New Radio (NR) wireless connectivity on its NVG558 fixed wireless access (FWA) gateway platform. Combined with the platform's existing support for 4G LTE and 3.5 GHz CBRS wireless connectivity, the new capabilities are intended to expand operators' ability to deliver triple-play services with the NVG500 Series of PON, xDSL, and FWA gateways.
The NVG558 FWA Gateway platform is designed to deliver 5G NR over sub-6 GHz today and take advantage of mmWave deployments as they become more widespread. The latest version of the NVG558 is designed to support high-speed fixed wireless broadband services over 5G NR, 4G LTE, and 3.5 GHz CBRS networks using the same gateway platform they use to provide wireline broadband services.
The platform also offers subscriber self-install capabilities. All NVG500 Series gateways support Docker containers to enable operators to prototype and deliver new broadband applications and services without having to take the time to integrate them into the platform's firmware and complete lengthy lab approvals and field trials.
"As operators build out their 5G networks, many want to maximize the value of these networks by using them to offer fixed wireless broadband services to customers," said Joe Chow, senior vice president and segment leader, Customer Premises Equipment, at CommScope. "The new version of the NVG558 offers these operators a flexible platform for delivering customers smart-home devices, video streaming, gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other next-generation services using high-speed 5G NR wireless networks."
Product features include:
- Dual-band or tri-band 802.11ac (WiFi 5) and 802.11ax WiFi (WiFi 6) options
- CommScope HomeAssure whole-home WiFi
- Optional IoT service capability
- Docker container support
- Deep packet inspection support for WiFi management, quality of service (QoS), and parental controls
- IPTV video optimization
The sub-6 GHz 5G NR version of the NVG558 will begin sampling for select customers in Q1 2020. The mmWave 5G NR version will begin sampling in Q3 2020.