STL an integrator of digital networks with a strong presence in India, Italy, the UK, the US, China, and Brazil, has announced the launch of Firebird, a line of O-RAN-based macro radios for dense, wide area 5G coverage at MWC 2022.
STL Firebird is a portfolio of multi-band 4G/5G macro O-RAN compliant radio units (O-RUs), initially available in Band 1, 40, 41, and 78 among others. These software-defined radios are based on a platform architecture and fulfill varying 5G coverage and capacity requirements of global carriers.
A part of Accellus, STL’s open access solution, the O-RAN-compliant Firebird radios are 5G-ready, open and programmable. These carrier-grade radio units are compliant with 3GPP standards and work seamlessly with Open RAN distributed units (O-DU) and centralized units (O-CU) and, says STL, will deliver a faster time to markets for telco’s 5G roll-outs. Firebird has an open front haul interface and is said to be energy efficient, environmentally friendly and ideal for outdoor settings. It also promises simpler operations.
Earlier this year, STL announced its collaboration with Meta Connectivity, part of Meta, the former Facebook, to design and develop dual RAT (radio access technologies) 4G and 5G radio products, specifically in Band 40 and 78. Through Meta’s Evenstar programme, STL is working with Meta Connectivity to accelerate the adoption of open RAN solutions.
