The two companies signed a memorandum
of understanding in Beijing to initiate a collaboration that will focus
on developing technology and test methods for a next-generation cloud-based
radio access network, or C-RAN.
C-RAN is a new approach to network design using a centralized, collaborative, cloud-based radio access network to build an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, intelligent network. Agilent and CMRI believe that this initiative could lead to a new network design standard for China and for the global wireless network industry.
It is anticipated that the new C-RAN
architecture will include multiple wireless standards such as GSM, TD-SCDMA,
TD-LTE, and TD-LTE-Advanced will centralize signal processing in the cloud
through a high-speed optical fiber link and would support eight antennas in a
single base station, coordinated multipoint transmission and reception (CoMP),
and general-purpose processors for wireless data processing.
"Our working relationship with
CMRI in the C-RAN initiative will allow Agilent and CMRI to lead the
development of a new architecture and test methods required for long-term
success throughout the value chain," said Andy Botka, Agilent vice
president and general manager of the Microwave and Communication Division.
"This collaboration will help C-RAN developers solve challenging technical
problems before the network is built and perform troubleshooting in the central
office before C-RAN is deployed in the field."
"C-RAN is the green radio access
network initiated by China Mobile with the aim of large capacity, low cost and
high power efficiency," said Dr. Chihlin I, chief scientist of CMRI.
"With the addition of Agilent, the world's leading testing and measurement
instrument vendor, C-RAN has formed a complete industry chain from
communication vendor to IT vendors to testing vendors to mobile operators. It's
believed that with the close cooperation of the industry, realization of C-RAN
will soon be possible."
This strategic collaboration leverages
Agilent's expertise in both wireless test solutions and software defined
radios. Agilent's eight-antenna TD-SCDMA/TD-LTE beam-forming measurement
solutions will directly support CoMP measurements in C-RAN, which is one of the
core features anticipated to be part of the new network. Agilent will also
provide baseband measurement solutions to enable wireless signal-fading
emulation and analysis, to help the C-RAN developers test the performance of
the new baseband units in the cloud. Agilent's and China Mobile's respective
research groups also plan to explore data processing and measurement capability
on general-purpose processors.
Agilent's collaborative work with CMRI
on C-RAN also reflects the strong commitment by Agilent in China to support
industry leaders in the development of next-generation wireless technologies.
Agilent plans to have a dedicated team in its R&D center in Beijing to work
with CMRI and other C-RAN program participants.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is
the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical
analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The
company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent
had net revenues of $6.6 billion in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is
available at www.agilent.com.