Recently, Korean mobile carrier Korea Telecom (KT) and its network technology support company NEC confirmed the success of a feasibility test of a 5G transmission network using the E band in preparation for the Winter Olympics to be held in Korea in 2018.
Regarding the location, the test was conducted at the Phoenix Ski Park in PyeongChang County, Gangwon Province, South Korea. This is the location chosen to host a number of important events at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Regarding the frequency band, this experimental 5G transmission network uses the E band operating on frequencies of 70-80 GHz. According to NEC, the iPASOLINK EX solution, an E-band microwave radio transmission system, that it provided to KT can provide broadband transmission lines with speeds of up to 3.2Gbps.
According to KT and NEC, the success of the trial lies not only in the high-speed transmission lines but also in the ability to expand the deployment of 5G backbone systems in mountainous areas. Normally, with other mobile technologies, carriers often encounter many difficulties in deploying infrastructure in uneven areas, especially rugged mountainous areas.
Korea is known as a country with a large area of mountains. The success of the trial helps reduce the challenges for operators when deploying 5G in this country and is also an important preparation step to ensure the success of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
