Ericsson unveils new radio, antenna, and RAN connect products
For high-performing programmable networks
Ahead of the highly anticipated Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Ericsson is introducing a groundbreaking suite of radio, antenna, and open fronthaul solutions to propel the telecoms industry’s shift towards high-performing, programmable networks.
The new product offerings are designed to help communications service providers (CSPs) address the growing demands of an increasingly connected world.
To solidify its leadership in next-generation Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies, Ericsson is unveiling a portfolio expansion that will provide CSPs with the necessary tools to evolve their networks while achieving significant sustainability goals.
The enhanced product line includes seven innovative energy-efficient radios, antennas, and RAN Connect solutions focusing on scalability, efficiency, and long-term performance. With these additions, Ericsson is set to deliver 130 open, programmable radio products by 2025.
One of the key innovations is the flagship AIR 3266, a wide-band TDD (Time Division Duplexing) Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) radio with a 400W output power in a slim design. This powerful solution improves spectral efficiency and uplink performance and reduces energy consumption by up to 30%. The AIR 3266 also delivers a 50% reduction in embodied carbon footprint, supporting telecom operators in their quest for more sustainable network deployments.
Also in the spotlight is RAN Connect, a new suite of open-fronthaul products designed to offer CSPs even more flexibility and efficiency in managing network traffic. RAN Connect includes several key solutions, such as the RAN Connect 6381, which is a robust, all-outdoor solution capable of supporting 600Gbps capacity, and the RAN Connect 6682, a high-capacity fronthaul solution capable of handling up to 1.2 terabits per second (Tbps) throughput. These new additions are poised to enhance the scalability of large-scale network deployments and unlock the full potential of modern RAN Compute capabilities.
Commenting on the launch, Mårten Lerner, Head of Product Area Networks at Ericsson, said: “As 5G is projected to carry 80% of total mobile data traffic by 2030, the need for equipment that strikes the right balance between superior performance, optimal total cost of ownership (TCO), and sustainability has never been more critical. Our latest innovations—from ultra-light radios to interleaved antennas—are helping CSPs deploy high-performing, future-proof, energy-efficient and cost-effective networks.”
These innovations will contribute significantly to energy savings and sustainability targets. The radios, antennas, and RAN solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of CSPs while ensuring that energy consumption is minimised, operational costs are reduced, and embodied carbon footprints are slashed. As a result, Ericsson’s solutions play a pivotal role in enabling net-zero network evolution.
Ericsson’s updated portfolio introduces additional next-generation radios that promise to transform network performance. Among these is the AIR 3285, a dual-band FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) Massive MIMO radio offering up to four times higher uplink capacity than traditional solutions.
The AIR 3285 is 30kg, making it the lightest in its class and cutting energy consumption by 30%. Additionally, the AIR 6494 and AIR 3265 bring new advancements with 64-branch and 32-branch transceivers, respectively, delivering increased energy savings and reducing embodied carbon emissions by up to 40%.
The company is also rolling out enhanced antenna solutions, including the Antenna 4818, which combines superior energy efficiency with high electrical and beam efficiencies. This antenna, alongside others in the portfolio, is set to optimise FDD mid-band utilisation and improve network performance by reducing radio output power by up to 29%.
Further bolstering Ericsson’s indoor 5G capabilities, the Indoor Fusion Unit 8828 offers gigabit speeds in a compact form, ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises. This solution supports multiple operators, delivering up to 8,000 square meters of coverage while connecting up to eight Radio Dots.
Sustainability remains a central focus for Ericsson’s innovations. In addition to energy-efficient designs and recyclable materials, the company’s products incorporate passive cooling technology, allowing them to meet Net Zero targets.
The newly introduced Power D620, a programmable Smart DC distribution system, provides remote DC power management, further improving energy efficiency by optimising RAN power usage.
Image: The new Ericsson product offerings are designed to help communications service providers (CSPs) address the growing demands of an increasingly connected world. Credit: Ericsson
