Samsung starts providing next-gen 5G baseband units to carriers

- February 25, 2020

Samsung has announced that it has started offering its next-generation baseband unit (BBU) to network carriers. The CDU50 offers six times greater capacity and flexibility in the network deployment. The company's solution has already been deployed in Korea, and it will be launched in the US and other markets in the second quarter of the year.

The South Korean firm's cellular baseband solution supports both LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) network frequencies via a single unit, which makes it easier for carriers to deploy their networks. The new baseband unit supports both CRAN (Centralized Radio Access Network) and DRAN (Distributed Radio Access Network) configurations.

Thanks to its new 5G modem, Samsung's CDU50 can offer up to six times more cells and up to two times faster network throughput. It can also help operators in a smooth transition from 4G to 5G networks when the time comes. All of this is done at reduced costs and space compared to the company's previous-generation solutions.

Jaeho Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, said, "Now available in the market, this will enable mobile operators to create a path to providing a higher level of customer service. We're excited to bring this product to market, and look forward to developing and launching even more powerful versions of network solutions in the coming years."

Samsung CDU50 Baseband Unit