Airgain Unveils Solar Powered 5G Repeater Revolution

In a significant advancement for sustainable telecommunications, Airgain, Inc. has introduced its latest innovation: the Lighthouse Solar™ Smart Network-Controlled Repeater (NCR). This solar-powered device operates entirely off the grid, providing a transformative solution for enhancing 5G coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Revolutionizing 5G Deployment with Solar Power

Traditional telecommunication infrastructure expansion often faces geographical challenges and high deployment costs. Airgain’s Lighthouse Solar™ addresses these issues directly by offering a scalable, cost-effective alternative to conventional fiber and power-dependent systems. By utilizing solar energy, this repeater eliminates the need for external power sources, making it an optimal solution for regions where extending the power grid is impractical.

Field trials have demonstrated the repeater’s impressive capabilities, including:

• Coverage Expansion: A 20% increase in 5G coverage, broadening network reach in both urban and rural environments.
• Speed Enhancement: Data speeds improved from just 1 Mbps on existing 4G networks to an average exceeding 250 Mbps, with peaks reaching 425 Mbps, even in previously underserved areas.
• Spectrum Efficiency: Over a 50% improvement in spectrum efficiency, optimizing network utilization and enhancing operator profitability.
• Rapid Deployment: The system can be installed in under a day, reducing reliance on power grids and fiber backhaul, which leads to significant reductions in both Capital Expenditures (CapEx) and Operating Expenditures (OpEx) for telecom carriers.

Dr. Ali Sadri, Chief Technology Officer at Airgain, highlighted the importance of this development: “This breakthrough positions Airgain at the forefront of the 5G infrastructure revolution. By offering a sustainable, grid-independent, and rapidly deployable solution, we empower telecom operators to expand their networks at lower costs, increase service reliability, and create greater monetization opportunities—all while enhancing global connectivity.”

Addressing the Challenges of Rural Connectivity

Expanding 5G networks into rural and remote areas has been challenging due to the high costs and logistical hurdles associated with traditional infrastructure. The Lighthouse Solar™ repeater provides a viable solution by:

• Eliminating Dependency on Power Grids: Its solar-powered design ensures that even the most isolated regions can receive robust 5G coverage without the need for extensive electrical infrastructure.
• Cost-Effective Deployment: By avoiding the expenses related to laying fiber and establishing power connections, operators can achieve faster and more economical network rollouts.
• Enhancing User Experience: Communities that previously struggled with slow internet speeds can now access high-speed connectivity, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Lighthouse Solar™ Smart NCR is designed with advanced features for optimal performance:

• Frequency Range: Operates within the 3300–4000 MHz band (n77), covering sub-6GHz frequencies.
• Bandwidth: Supports up to 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, accommodating various carrier aggregation and MIMO configurations.
• Smart Antenna Technology: Comes with an optional built-in smart donor antenna featuring beam-switching capabilities, simplifying installation and enhancing signal quality.
• Automated Features: Includes TDD detection, gain control, and echo cancellation to maintain signal stability and quality.

These technical attributes reflect Airgain’s commitment to delivering high-performance, energy-efficient solutions that meet the evolving demands of the telecommunications industry.

Industry Implications and Future Prospects

The introduction of the Lighthouse Solar™ repeater marks a crucial moment in the telecom sector’s quest for sustainable and efficient network expansion. By removing traditional deployment bottlenecks, this solution facilitates:

• Accelerated 5G Rollouts: Operators can quickly extend their networks without the usual constraints of infrastructure development.
• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Improved coverage and speeds result in better user experiences, fostering customer loyalty and creating new revenue streams.
• Environmental Benefits: Utilizing renewable energy sources aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing the carbon footprint associated with network operations.

Airgain will showcase the Lighthouse Solar™ solution at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona from March 3–6, 2025. In partnership with companies like Omantel, they will discuss sustainable and smart 5G wireless system solutions, emphasizing the transformative potential of this technology.

Embracing a Sustainable Connected Future

As the demand for widespread high-speed connectivity continues to rise, innovations like Airgain’s Lighthouse Solar™ Smart NCR are set to redefine the landscape of network deployment. By merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, Airgain is not only addressing the immediate needs of telecom operators but also contributing to a more connected and environmentally conscious world.

For policymakers, industry investors, and construction professionals, this development serves as a compelling case study on how technological ingenuity can overcome long-standing challenges, paving the way for a future where connectivity knows no bounds.