Aquantia unveils AQcell technology, boosts small cell infrastructure with multi-Gigabit rates over copper cabling

Aquantia (Milpitas, CA), a maker of high-speed silicon infrastructure for data center Ethernet connectivity, as well as mobile and enterprise applications, has unveiled its AQcell product line. Described as "a disruptive transport technology for the cellular infrastructure market," the new chips are designed to boost the speed of indoor Cloud-Radio Access Networks (C-RAN).

To address the fast-growing demand for indoor small cells, Aquantia developed its AQcell technology, based on a unique capability to transport digitized cellular data at multi-Gigabit per second rates over 200-meters of copper cable, while also providing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. "The AQcell is designed to shatter a critical connectivity bottleneck in small cell deployments and enable service providers to cost-effectively deploy next-generation indoor C-RAN technology to address growing capacity and service-level demands," said a company statement announcing the new technology.

“Small cell deployments are witnessing high growth as service providers cope with greater volumes of indoor cellular network traffic,” comments Faraj Aalaei, president and CEO of Aquantia. “AQcell was designed specifically to accelerate small cell growth by enabling a highly scalable front-haul transport solution. It removes significant barriers to entry for next generation equipment and by doing so, service providers can enjoy greater network coverage and better service quality.”

In-building C-RAN technology presents versatile and scalable approach to providing indoor wireless coverage in enterprise buildings and large venues such as stadiums, airports, shopping centers and college campuses, where massive numbers of devices demand connectivity. C-RAN architectures rely on a Remote Radio Unit (RRU) sending the digitized RF spectrum to a centralized Baseband Unit (BBU) for processing, utilizing Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) signaling for transport over copper cabling. As cellular technologies continue to push wireless capacity, the need to provide multi-Gigabit/s bandwidth over copper has emerged, pushing the limits of what’s possible with existing Physical Layer (PHY) solutions, contends Aquantia.

The company says its AQcell product family is designed in 28nm and is available in single-port (AQC105) and quad-port (AQC405) configurations. The AQcell products support all PoE standards; the AQC105 and AQC405 chips are available in production quantities. Contact [email protected] for more information. Aquantia wil introduce AQcell in time for the Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, as leaders in the mobility market converge to explore its most advanced technologies.