Lime Microsystems is proud to have supplied a 5G LimeNET CrowdCell for a project partnership with the University of Surrey’s Institute for Communication Systems and 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC), and engineering services and technology solutions provider AWTG – forming part of the UK’s first end-to-end 5G system to use hardware entirely built within its borders.
The University of Surrey’s 5G system is built wholly of components made within the UK, including Lime Micro’s 5G LimeNET CrowdCell small-cell software-defined base station – powered by its LMS7002M field-programmable radio frequency (FPRF) integrated circuit and based on technology developed in partnership with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP).
“This achievement is testimony to the UK’s engineering capability and knowledge,” says Regius Professor Rahuim Tafazolli, director of the University of Surry’s Institute for Communication Systems and 5GIC of the partnership, “and emphasises that this nation can play a vital role in the developing global telecoms ecosystem.”
“There has been significant research and development in the UK covering the key aspects of 5G networks,” says Lime Micro chief executive Ebrahim Bushehri of the partnership. “The work of 5GIC and AWTG, coupled with Lime’s radio technology, provides a leading-edge solution that capitalises on this visionary investment.”
“We are excited to work alongside internationally leading organisations such as the University of Surrey’s 5G Innovation Centre and Lime Microsystems to integrate a unique system that will benefit UK industry and showcase UK engineering capabilities,” adds AWTG chief executive Abbey Alidoosti.
The University has highlighted the flexibility of the 5G LimeNET CrowdCell, in particular its use of software-defined radio (SDR) technology and open-source application programming interfaces (APIs) which allow the device to be configured and updated both before and after deployment into the network – “therefore,” the University explains, “future-proofing the system for technologies to come.”
The partnership comes as the UK Government receives a proposal to invest £300 million into providing the UK with a resilient communications network which reduces its reliance on technology from foreign nations and improves interoperability between vendors.
More information on the University of Surrey’s 5G Innovation Centre is available on the official website; details about the LimeNET CrowdCell can be found on our official product page.