Nokia MulteFire solution unlocks global unlicensed spectrum for private 4.9G/LTE

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The new Nokia MulteFire-standard UE and Nokia MulteFire access point are for use with the Nokia DAC platform, enabling simple, fast set-up of private wireless connectivity. The Nokia MulteFire private wireless solution is suitable for both permanent networking and temporary deployments in use cases such as sporting and cultural events, media broadcasting, construction sites, field hospitals and public emergencies.

MulteFire is an LTE-based technology that operates in unlicensed spectrum, including the global 5GHz band. By providing an easy-to-use, pre-integrated solution, Nokia is making carrier-grade 4.9G/LTE private wireless available to a host of potential new users. With deployment available globally, it can be used by customers currently without access to licensed spectrum, or bring additional capacity as a complementary layer to wireless networks.

Stephan Litjens, Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, Nokia Cloud and Networking Services, said: “Being first to market with the only fully industry-approved MulteFire solution available, allows Nokia to set a new standard in wireless broadband convenience and affordability for a worldwide mass market. Our unique MulteFire UE solution further extends our market-leading portfolio of industrial-grade connectivity solutions,and by doing so, also brings Industry 4.0 one step closer for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Bringing enhanced coverage and capacity, low latency and mobility, the new Nokia MulteFire solution can be used to complement private wireless networks in licensed spectrum by delivering additional capacity over 5GHz unlicensed spectrum.For mobile operators offering private wireless to their customers, it enables them to tier their private wireless portfolio, with more economical offerings geared towards new markets.

Hien Nguyen, CTO, Safari Solutions, said: “A core part of our business is event services,such as sports, trade shows and broadcast services, which involve frequent, fast deployment of IT systems where reliable communications connectivity is business critical. With the Nokia MulteFire private wireless solution, we now have a major boost to our connectivity options with fast, reliable and easy-to-deploy mobile broadband, regardless of location or licensed spectrum availability. A huge improvement on Wi-Fi in terms of coverage, security and reliability, and reducing dependency on commercial networks, Nokia MulteFire opens up a range of new possibilities in terms of what we can offer our clients.”

Added Litjens:“Following growth in private wireless adoption across asset-intensive industries, our MulteFire offering now sets the stage for take-up by an entirely new range of customers, across public sector and enterprises. And, without the need for licensed spectrum, that appeal is now global.”

Analyst quote:

Will Townsend, Senior Analyst, Security, Carriers and Enterprise Networking, Moor Insights and Strategy, said: “MulteFire has the potential to significantly contribute to private wireless networking adoption given its ability to deploy over unlicensed spectrum. Nokia's focus on easing deployment based on a plug-and-play approach could make it a compelling consideration for enterprises concerned about the complexities of managing cellular networking infrastructure.”

A compact, easy-to-deploy platform, Nokia DAC comprises network and user equipment, a cloud-based operation monitoring system and industrial connectors that ease standard and industry-specific protocol connectivity.It also features device management capability that seamlessly integrates ruggedized handhelds and other wireless devices.

Source: Nokia media announcement