Ericsson and Qualcomm Test n101 Band for 5G-Powered FRMCS Railway Communications

In a groundbreaking milestone, Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have successfully conducted an interoperability device test on a frequency band dedicated to 5G railway communications in Europe. This achievement underscores the importance of ecosystem support and highlights ongoing efforts to advance the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).

The two companies utilized a mobile test platform powered by the Qualcomm® X85 5G Modem-RF over the n101, 10MHz-wide band using a specifically designed Ericsson radio prototype. The n101 TDD (time division duplex) band – or the 1900-1910 MHz band – is dedicated to 5G railway communications in Europe. This is the first time a FRMCS 1900MHz 5G radio has been tried with a unique 10MHz TDD channel bandwidth and a special TDD uplink balanced frame structure, specifically selected for railways.

The pioneering device testing of a n101-capable chipset at 1900 MHz is a crucial step in the development of FRMCS device radio modules and detailed planning of FRMCS trials. It marks a major leap forward in the journey towards FRMCS using 5G in the European Union (EU).

FRMCS is an international standard for 5G-based railway communication systems. With the Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) being phased out by 2030, FRMCS is poised to become the 5G-based connectivity framework for railway systems. The adoption of 5G NR Standalone by FRMCS enables the introduction of the 5G Advanced radio access network (RAN) software. 

Ericsson's development of an 8x8 Massive MIMO radio for FRMCS shows its commitment to spearheading mission-critical network technology. This advancement paves the way for FRMCS device ecosystems through early interoperability testing between the access network and the device platform and allows a smoother migration from GSM-R.

Ericsson is also gearing up for the FRMCS 5G pan-European trials, known as MORANE2, which are seen vital to advancing railway communications technology. Initiated by the International Union of Railways (UIC), MORANE2 is a crucial step in introducing FRMCS and thereby , improve rail transport capacity, digitalization, and competitiveness in the EU.