Application of technology to prevent performance degradation when combining antennas
Solving the problem of installing antennas on narrow building rooftops

KT and Ericsson have completed verification of commercial network technology that combines 5G and LTE antennas without performance degradation.

KT announced on the 25th that it had successfully completed commercial network technology verification for a new RU (Remote Unit) that combines 5G and LTE antennas.

This verification demonstrates that 5G and LTE communication coverage can be provided without performance degradation in real-world usage environments.

To address the lack of rooftop space, a major obstacle to base station installation, KT has been discussing the development of a new RU combining 5G and LTE with Ericsson since March of last year. In November of last year, the company demonstrated a technology utilizing the new RU at Ericsson Research in Sweden.

The new RU is designed with a 5G antenna placed on the back of the LTE antenna, allowing the 5G signal to pass through the LTE passive antenna. KT predicted that it would be able to build more LTE and 5G antennas in the same building area as the space taken up by antennas is reduced.

In this verification, KT aimed to address the issue of beamforming performance degradation, which impacts 5G coverage. By applying "Beam Through" technology, which allows 5G signals to pass through LTE antennas without interference, KT finally confirmed stable performance. KT added, "With the success of this verification, we are one step closer to commercializing the new combined RU."

KT Network Research and Technology Division Head and Managing Director Koo Jae-hyung said, "Through this PoC with Ericsson, we have secured the foundation for expanding 5G coverage, efficiently evolving 5G networks, and introducing 6G equipment. Through this, we will further strengthen KT's 5G service competitiveness."