RANsemi & Antevia unite for 5G SHIFT innovation in UK

RANsemi has announced a partnership with Antevia Networks, where its silicon will be used in Antevia's 5G SHIFT enterprise private 5G platform.

RANsemi and Antevia Networks, both British companies, will see the deployment of RANsemi 5G PHY System on Chips (SoCs) in Antevia's 5G SHIFT platform. This deployment uses Open RAN fronthaul technology in Antevia's Radio Units (O-RUs) to enhance in-building wireless coverage.

The Antevia 5G SHIFT platform uses a virtualised radio access network (vRAN) architecture. It utilises a 'shared cell' topology, which is currently operational in public trials at various locations across the UK. These trials are occurring at Bath Rugby Ground, the historic Roman Baths in Bath, England, and Cardiff Market in Cardiff, Wales.

Peter Claydon, Chief Executive Officer of RANsemi, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, "It's fantastic to see our silicon being deployed locally through our successful partnership with Antevia, which has brought two innovative British technology companies together in collaboration. Enterprises need readily deployable, cost-effective, yet easily adaptable private network platforms and 5G SHIFT delivers. We are proud to be part of this exciting innovation with Antevia O-RUs running on RANsemi SoCs."

The 5G SHIFT platform is designed for deployment in sectors where reliability is crucial, including retail locations that require secure connectivity. Antevia Networks provides its O-RUs, which are backed by RANsemi silicon for ongoing deployments and bolstered by its Fronthaul Multiplexer (FHM) technology. This setup enables a 'shared cell' configuration where multiple O-RUs function as a single virtual cell, facilitating the avoidance of complex planning usually required for managing handovers and interference.

Simon Cosgrove, Chief Executive Officer of Antevia Networks, highlighted the demand for the technology, "Enterprises are eager for fast, simple, and secure 5G private networks. By establishing our O-RUs on RANsemi silicon, leveraging the open, flexible architecture based on O-RAN standards, combined with vRAN, we deliver cost-effective, intelligent, cloud-based 5G private networks optimised for indoor deployments."

Antevia Networks plans to exhibit its range of partners, including RANsemi, and showcase the 5G SHIFT platform in the UK Pavilion at MWC Barcelona.