This article appeared in New Straits Times on 15 September 2022.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's 5G network being deployed by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will be more energy efficient thanks to the use of new AIR 3268 energy-saving radios from Ericsson, which reduces power consumption at the network level.

It is the first in Asia to use Ericsson's latest ultra-lightweight radio which, based on field measurements, is 18 per cent more energy-efficient than the previous generation radio.

Ericsson said AIR 3268 supports its unique Massive MIMO architecture and Uplink Booster capabilities that deliver leading network performance.

At 12kg and 23 litres, the ultra-lightweight AIR 3268 is the lightest and smallest Massive MIMO radio in the industry and has been designed for 5G mid-band Massive MIMO performance to deliver the benefits of deployment simplicity and improved energy efficiency.

With 200-watt output power, 32 transceivers and passive cooling, the radio weigh about 40 per cent less than the earlier generation, making installations easy on towers, rooftops, poles and walls.

Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh head David Hägerbro said the AIR 3268's improved energy efficiency would reduce the cost of operations and impact on the environment.

"The new generation radios that will be deployed throughout Malaysia by DNB will be comparatively more energy efficient, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and responsible 5G rollout," he said in a statement today.

The AIR 3268 is designed with Ericsson Silicon, providing real-time channel estimation and ultra-precise beamforming that improves coverage and user experience.

With its reduced size and weight, AIR 3268 will also simplify site upgrades even in locations where the number of antennas is limited.