Using its work in microwave and mmWave spectrums, Novocomms believes it is positioned to access the untapped potential of such wireless networks. Specifically, in the areas of advanced manufacturing, medicine and defence. These applications all require secure, uninterrupted and high-quality wireless networking.
These customisable and dedicated systems operate independently of more familiar public carrier networks.
Private 5G
“With the formation of Novocomms Solutions, we have created a unique Private 5G systems integrator,” said Novocomms Solutions CEO Johann Tse (pictured). “While we have the track record within the telecoms space and the global network of trusted suppliers, we also possess a deep technical knowledge of RF and microwave systems to create innovative technologies.”
“Private 5G is still in its infancy in the UK and we are well on the way to developing the next generation of technology that provides improved performance, while being reliable and affordable, compared to alternatives currently available.”
The Birmingham-based telecommunications business sees market growth in the UK and beyond. It cites a recent report from Nokia. This survey of 100 early Private 5G adopters found that 93% of respondents had achieved an ROI within 12 months, with 45% finding other uses for the technology once it had been deployed.
Interoperability
Novocomms believes there are still technical performance issues around the adoption of Private 5G networks. Problems, for example, concerning interoperability, interference, latency and cost of deployment, could be significantly reduced via ‘next generation’, low energy terminals and the roll-out of customised Private 5G networks including the 5G Core Network (5GC), 5G Base stations (gNB), Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and the User Equipment (UE).
Novocomms’ chairman, Professor Colin Tucker, adds:
“Dynamic, nimble technology businesses such as Novocomms are ideally placed to spot emerging trends such as the growth in private 5G networks – and rapidly develop better, faster and more robust solutions for both network providers and end-customers. My work with 3 and Orange shows that success is all about jumping onto the next big trend and we think there’s a bright future for this type of network in the UK and Europe.”
5G mmWave
In June this year, the company won £3.6 million of funding from the UK government’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI). This was to develop 5G mmWave consumer premises equipment (CPE). Specifically, “the next generation” of such equipment (routers, network switches, gateways, etc), over the course of 13 months.
The funding will enable it to recruit up to ten new electronic engineers. The company said there was the potential to create a further 50 production jobs if the new technology is successful.
Currently available high-speed CPE units use existing technology for the new 28 GHz bands, said Novocomms. They may not deliver the full potential of 5G at mmWave frequencies. It will be using “a combination of next-generation silicon and software, combined with an electronically steerable antenna” it said.
See also: Novocomms restructures for growth, AIoT and jobs in Birmingham
