Broadband Forum’s 5G FWA – Helping bridge the multi-tenant digital divide

Helge Tiainen, InCoax Networks, and Michael Timmers, Nokia, WT-507 Editors; and Mike Talbert, Wistron NeWeb, Multi-Tenant FWA Project Stream Lead

Over the last few decades, the number of tenants living in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) or Multi-Tenant Units (MTUs) remains high. In metropolitan areas, 71% of the EU population lived in an apartment according to 2021 figures from Eurostat. The number of MDUs also continue to grow in the United States, with 37% of all dwelling units built last year being MDUs. There is a clear appetite for affordable housing and affordable connectivity in the form of apartments, hotel blocks, and condos. But one hurdle continues to haunt landlords, policymakers, and tenants. And that is reliable, ubiquitous connectivity.

Unsurprisingly, MDUs pose a headache for network operators compared to Single-Family Units (SFUs) as installations are dependent on securing the necessary approvals for construction work. Equally, landlords can be concerned about the potential disruption or cosmetic damage to the building that will be caused. To deliver fiber to the building, for example, installation can be costly and ducts from the fiber entry point to every apartment are needed.

Therefore, reusing existing property infrastructure cuts costs and complexity. Network operators can capture more market share and see a faster return on their investments. Now is the time for network operators to influence and shape the next Broadband Forum standard for extending 5G fixed wireless broadband over existing in-building infrastructure.

Figure 1, The digital divide can exist within apartment buildings.

Broadband Forum leading the 5G FWA charge

Broadband Forum’s Wireless-Wireline Convergence (WWC) Work Area continues to progress a new project on Multi-Tenant 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and extend 5G FWA to serve MDUs with gigabit broadband connectivity.

FWA establishes a connection over a radio link for communication between a base station and individual user equipment, such as a 5G modem, typically installed in an apartment. Fixed and mobile networks continue to converge, and this is a key opportunity to utilize existing infrastructure to extend 5G FWA connectivity. It is no surprise that network operators continue to invest to acquire spectrum space and base station infrastructure.

Figure 2, Fixed Wireless to the roof top solves the antenna problem, but the signal still needs distribution within the apartment building

For lower frequencies below 1 GHz, a high-level of coverage and moderate bandwidth can be provided with the 5G network. However, if we move to higher frequencies, we can offer higher speed, but this comes with its own difficulties. The main one being the increased signal attenuation through the wall, which requires that the modem is placed on the outside wall.

Frequency Band Trade-offs

Thanks to this project, the unused frequency spectrum of a building’s existing infrastructure can be reused to provide enhanced connectivity. This includes twisted pair, telephone wiring, or coaxial cabling. The project focuses on how a 5G and fixed line converged network or a pure 5G network approach can serve multiple users over a 5G FWA connection within a MDU building.

Assessing the right frequency

Signal strength and consistency can vary depending on geographical location and the type of spectrum frequency used. Network operators may also have only acquired spectrum licenses for certain frequency bands. It is therefore vital that network operators can cost-effectively deploy 5G FWA technology that utilizes the most appropriate frequency depending on the environment, whether that be mid-band or high-band (mmWave), to provide high-speed data rates and optimal performance.

To achieve gigabit or multi-gigabit speeds, network operators need to use mmWave technology within the 24-40 GHz spectrum. At frequencies above 24 GHz, signal strength can struggle to propagate and be severely weakened when traveling through walls. This is particularly troubling in a building with multiple apartments and floors.

The need for FWA modems to connect multiple subscribers can pose another problem. At present, one 5G modem is required per subscriber and serves only one customer / apartment within an MDU. In the FWA mmWave spectrum, a Line of Sight is required which means that the FWA modem needs to be installed on the rooftop.

Figure 3, The ideal solution uses existing in-building wiring for broadband distribution. This is being developed and will be standardized by the Broadband Forum in Working Text 507

In a large building with multiple occupants, this could require the installation of tens to hundreds of modems. Finding the adequate rooftop space, the necessary RF separation, and overcoming co-site interference, can all be alleviated thanks to this latest work.

Calling network operators to join WT-507

The project (WT-507) studies and defines the architecture and requirements for serving broadband connectivity to multiple MDU apartments with users sharing a 5G mmWave link through one FWA modem. The Multi-Tenant FWA work group aims to create new architecture guidelines and a standardized solution for the industry to adopt.

During the Spring Member Meeting, three architectural options were analyzed for mmWave technology and there is an exciting opportunity for Broadband Forum members to get involved and contribute to this new work. We encourage mobile and fixed line operators to provide use cases and deployment scenarios to help us draw up our project roadmap.

Contact info@broadband-forum.org to get involved.