Infovista enhances 5G network planning with new AI solution

Infovista has introduced support for 5G Reduced Capacity (RedCap) network planning and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) coverage and capacity. This latest development comes with the launch of a new version of its AI-powered RF planning solution, Infovista Planet.

For the first time, network planning teams within mobile operators can now incorporate 3GPP-compliant 5G RedCap devices into their analysis and simulation of 5G Standalone networks. This inclusion is expected to facilitate more accurate modelling and planning, addressing emerging use cases and applications. According to recent reports from the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 17 of the 126 mobile operators investing in 5G Standalone networks are also investing in 5G RedCap.

Infovista Planet's capabilities have been enhanced to support the planning of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) coverage and capacity. It now enables Monte Carlo simulations for standalone FWA networks and mixed-traffic scenarios, which include FWA Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), mobile User Equipment (UEs), and RedCap devices. Leveraging its expertise in line-of-sight (LOS) modelling, Infovista Planet now also offers full site-to-FWA subscriber analysis for various scenarios.

The latest release of Planet AIM, Infovista's flagship AI-powered RF propagation model, incorporates several new features. These include rooftop propagation modelling and the ability to cover all rooftops in a single layer. These advancements are expected to assist network engineers in determining site selection for FWA subscriber installations and identifying suitable rooftop mounting options, improving the efficiency and profitability of FWA service rollouts.

Additionally, the solution's capabilities for Open RAN planning have been expanded. The new network views, including a map view and site explorer, can now display O-RAN nodes and their logical relationships. Enhanced visualisation options for 5G architectures have been introduced, such as Best DU, Best CU/BBU, and Best MEC. These features aim to help network planners identify service areas more quickly and accurately.

Regis Lerbour, Vice President of Product for RAN Engineering and Testing at Infovista, stated, "The success of any mobile network starts with the integrity and accuracy of its radio access network design. However, with new technologies such as 5G RedCap and new coverage models like FWA, the 5G network planning challenge is becoming ever more complex."

"The ability to model the RF parameters, simulate the full range of devices and services, and visualise network KPIs create a complexity that only an AI-powered RF planning solution can deliver. The release of Planet 7.10 is a significant milestone for the industry as it moves from investment into deployment of new 5G standalone networks."

Infovista's new release, Planet 7.10, represents a significant advancement in the field of 5G network planning. As the industry continues to develop and deploy 5G standalone networks, this updated tool aims to aid mobile operators in accurately planning and implementing new 5G use cases and applications. The RF planning solution integrates advanced AI capabilities to offer a comprehensive, efficient, and profitable approach to network planning.