Intel is set to ship a groundbreaking modem that will deliver data transfer rates many times faster than most wired internet connections.
The modem’s baseband chip pairs with a new 5G transceiver that enables both sub-6Ghz and millimeter-Wave capabilities. The combination implemented by Intel incorporates key 3GPP 5G NR technology including low latency frame structures, advanced channel coding, and massive MIMO
Intel’s stated goal for the program is to support both early trials and to lay a foundation enabling more rapid development of products that will support the 3GPP NR specification and help drive global adoption of the 3GPP 5G standard.
Intel claims that the technology will enhance the “internet of things” platform, as well as greatly expand upon vehicle-to-vehicle communications allowing for improvements in emergency response, and autonomous vehicles.
Intel Corporate Vice President Aicha Evans stated,
“5G will enable industries to improve our daily lives. With 5G, autonomous vehicles will be able to make decisions in milliseconds to keep drivers and vehicles safe,”
“Drones will aid in disaster recovery efforts, providing real-time data for emergency responders. Smart cities will monitor air and water quality through millions of sensors, giving them insights needed to provide a better quality of life.
The Intel 5G Modem, as it’s called, is designed to provide download speeds in excess of 5Gbps, which is five times faster than today’s fastest 4G modem. It’s also five times faster than Google Fiber, which offers speeds of up to 1Gbps.
But don’t expect the modem to be installed in smartphones immediately. It will be used mainly for testing on 5G network deployments. It will also be used to test possible 5G applications, still being explored in areas like automotive tech.
The benefits of 5G are enormous. Download and upload speeds will go up for devices like drones, robots, smart devices, and industrial equipment. Faster networks will help autonomous cars intercommunicate over long distances about weather and road conditions.
The technology will improve mobile health-care services, which need reliable connections for patient monitoring. It will also help IoT devices remain in constant contact with servers running analytics.
The chipmaker will start shipping its first 5G modem for testing in the second half this year. Beyond mobile devices, the modem could also be used in autonomous cars, servers, base stations, networking equipment, drones, robots, and other internet-of-things devices.
