SIMCom's Advanced FWA Solutions Ensure Rapid Deployment

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is an innovative application that utilizes 4G and 5G radio spectrum, the same spectrum used for mobile phone services, to establish wireless broadband connections between two fixed points.

The advantages of 5G FWA are manifold. Firstly, compared to traditional 4G FWA, 5G FWA offers higher speeds and bandwidth, particularly in the millimeter wave frequency bands, rivaling those of wired fiber optic connections. Secondly, in addition to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), 5G FWA also provides capabilities such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) and massive machine type communication (mMTC), empowering a wider range of innovative terminal applications. Thirdly, 5G brings comprehensive data lifecycle security protection, enabling industries such as healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, education, and finance to fully leverage 5G FWA.

Another significant aspect is the shift in market direction. With the impetus of 5G, FWA presents an unmissable market opportunity within the mobile communication sector. According to Ericsson's "FWA Handbook 2021," by 2027, FWA connections are projected to reach approximately 230 million, accounting for over 20% of the total global mobile network data traffic, with the primary growth in FWA market expected to come from 5G FWA between 2022 and 2027. Moreover, the societal impact of FWA is greater than the number of device connections alone, as approximately 3-5 individuals in a household may enjoy broadband services through FWA devices, implying that the FWA service population could exceed 800 million.

(sources:《FWA Handbook 2021》from Erison)

However, regardless of changes in business models, the design of FWA devices is also undergoing changes. Besides catering to consumer broadband and mobile hotspot operator services, there is significant potential for 5G FWA in enterprise private networks, industrial IoT, smart retail, and other sectors.

To address the widespread demand for devices in 5G FWA, SIMCom has introduced a series of 5G modules based on the Qualcomm X75, X72 and X35 platforms, ideal for developing FWA application solutions.

The SIM8390, based on the Snapdragon® X75 5G Modem RF System, conforms to the 3GPP Release 17 standard and features stability and reliability in complex and dynamic environments. Its rich protocols and diverse interface designs, such as PCle, USB3.1, and GPIO, provide customers with broader innovation and expansion possibilities.

Meanwhile, the SIM8270 module based on the Snapdragon® X72 5G Modem RF System, supporting both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) dual-network modes and backward compatibility with 4G/3G networks to meet diverse regional network requirements. This flexibility and compatibility position the SIM8270 for widespread applications globally.

Both the SIM8390 and SIM8270 series modules feature LGA packaging, integrated GNSS positioning functionality, and maintain compatibility with SIM8260 series AT commands, providing robust support for rapid iteration of customer terminal products and cost reduction in development. Furthermore, these modules can be combined with the SIMCom’sWi-Fi module W87 to form a variety of 5G+Wi-Fi 7 solutions, further expanding the application range and competitiveness of products.

Additionally, SIM8230 module based on the Snapdragon® X35 5G Modem RF System, SIM8230 is a Multi-Band 5G NR/LTE-FDD/LTE-TDD module which supports R17 5G SA. LGA+LCC form factor with various interfaces such as PCIe, USB2.0, GPIO etc. This module provides applications with great flexibility and ability of integration.   

CPE, MiFi, ODU, and other 5G-A FWA solutions equipped with SIMCom 5G modules deliver high-speed, low-latency, and highly flexible connectivity experiences for enterprise, home, and entertainment scenarios. Whether for video conferencing, VR gaming, or 4K/8K HD streaming, they significantly reduce latency issues associated with high-definition content, thus enhancing the convenience and efficiency of digital living. Additionally, in terms of power optimization, SIMCom’s 5G modules ensures that products provide high speeds while also incorporating low-power characteristics, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of CPE and other FWA solutions.