OREANDA-NEWS. NEC Corporation introduced a new version of its market leading E-RAN solution, featuring multimode small cells, an intelligent on-premises services node and NEC's upgraded small cell gateway to provide enterprises with scalable, reliable and secure in-building LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. The unique solution – previously available in 3G and Wi-Fi configurations – not only reduces mobile operator churn in the valuable enterprise segment, but provides new revenue streams from value-added services such as IP-PBX integration, BYOD management and in-building location-based applications.

Using an enterprise's existing Ethernet infrastructure, the E-RAN solution avoids the need for coaxial cable installation works, CAT6/7 Ethernet re-wiring or specialist indoor radio planning, dramatically reducing installation times, costs and end-customer disruption. Furthermore, it uses only a fraction of the power of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) without the need for special air-conditioning and associated operating costs.

NEC's multimode LTE/3G gateway simplifies small cell aggregation and integration into the macro network core while providing advanced security and system management functionality. It can be used to manage E-RAN access points distributed across multiple enterprise, shopping mall, airport or multi-tenanted office block sites. This is in addition to any of NEC's other small cell solutions, including residential 3G and LTE femtocells that operate over an internet transport layer.

By using the gateway operators are able to provide customers with a very reliable and strong mobile signal indoors, helping to boost satisfaction levels while minimising the total cost of ownership for their small cell network. Existing NEC gateway customers will be able to upgrade their platform to support the new LTE-enabled equipment.

"Our mobile operator customers tell us that they can only deploy a fraction of the large scale in-building coverage deployments requested by customers in any given year," said Martin Guthrie, Head of Business Development EMEA — Small Cells at NEC Europe. "E-RAN is a mature and proven solution – which now supports LTE – that costs significantly less than DAS from both a capital and operational perspective and is very quick to install. It also provides an opportunity to generate revenue from what is traditionally seen as a defensive investment in the customer."

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group is working towards the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Going forward, NEC aims to develop solutions for a wide range of social issues, as a company that creates value for society through the promotion of its "Solutions for Society," which provide advanced social infrastructure utilizing ICT.