Qualcomm Technologies said it's developing a new technology called MuLTEfire to offer LTE mobile services exclusively in unlicensed spectrum. While current LTE-U technology requires carriers both in unlicensed and licensed bands, this new, LTE-based technology solely operates in unlicensed spectrum and doesn’t require an "anchor" in licensed spectrum. Qualcomm noted this will open up the LTE ecosystem to entities that may not own licensed spectrum, such as ISPs and enterprise/venue owners. MuLTEfire also provides mobile network operators with new opportunities for offloading and augmenting their mobile networks.
MuLTEfire will use the signals and channelization of the robust LTE radio link, while also leveraging evolving LTE technologies for self-organizing small cells suited for hyper-dense deployments. MuLTEfire will deliver the LTE-like performance with deployments more similar to Wi-Fi—a leaner, self-contained network architecture that is suitable for neutral deployments where any deployment can service any device, Qualcomm said. The company said it's also working to ensure its system does not interfere with other services in unlicensed bands, notably Wi-Fi, and users can expect similar Wi-Fi performance to LTE-U/LAA systems.
The actual release of equipment for deployment of a MuLTEfire system will depend on market demand and customer requests, the company said, while adding it remains committed to developing LTE/LTE Advanced (including LTE-U/LAA) and Wi-Fi (including 802.11ax) equipment as well.
