News Release

Kawasaki, Japan—Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation ("Toshiba"), an innovator in technologies that support cellular telecoms, has announced the introduction in Japan of ART3711, a Shared Distributed Antenna System (DAS) for 5G networks that support 3.6-4.0GHz band 4 x 4 MIMO^*1. Developed expressly for use as Shared DAS in neutral hosts, ART3711 allows multiple mobile network operators (MNO) to share the same infrastructure, supporting more efficient utilization of resources and faster build outs of expanded 5G networks. The equipment can also be used in other countries that use the Sub-6 band for 5G.

In densely populated cities with active populations, like Tokyo, maintaining robust, reliable networks that people can take for granted requires extensive indoor installation of base stations to provide service in high traffic locations, including commercial buildings, underground shopping malls, railway stations and subway systems. In building new 5G networks, MNO ideally install new equipment alongside existing 4G equipment; but in locations where space is at a premium, especially indoors, this can be a real challenge. One solution is the neutral host, the construction of base stations that can be used by more than one MNO.

Toshiba has extensive experience in development of DAS for base stations, and has brought this knowhow, plus patented innovations in its time division duplexing (TDD) technology, to the development of Shared DAS, an advanced DAS that can support multiple MNO in a single antenna location. The many advantages offered by Shared DAS include faster network construction and upgrades with fewer base stations, reductions in construction and installation costs and equipment duplication, and higher levels of network efficiency, coverage and performance. It is a solution that ensures users can enjoy high-quality network service in places where signals are often weak due to location and large numbers of users.

In the course of developing its Shared DAS, Toshiba successfully took on DAS-specific problems in the neutral host, particularly the most pressing issue of all, interference with other base stations. Since the launch of ART3711 which covers the 3.6-4.0GHz band of the 5G spectrum, Toshiba has also completed development of ART4511 for the 4.0-4.6GHz band 4 x 4 MIMO, and will shortly bring it to market. Toshiba's product lineup will then cover all Sub-6 bands allocated to 5G networks in Japan.

Toshiba has long cultivated antenna technology, and has provided knowhow for cellular infrastructure in Japan, including distributed antenna systems, for about 20 years. The new Shared DAS products will allow the company to take this business to the global level.

Patented technology for TDD, specific to DAS for the neutral host model and supporting base-station infrastructure sharing.

• When a TDD timing shift occurs in multiple base stations, the master station is selected.
• Suppression of interference from other base stations due to DAS transmission delay
• Detection and decoding of the 5G synchronization signal block for TDD timing control in the DAS system (pending)^*2.

For more information about the products, please contact:
TISS-sales@ml.toshiba.co.jp

*1 MIMO: multiple input multiple output
*2 "Distributed Antenna System for 5G Mobile Phone Services" Toshiba Review Vol. 78, No. 3, May 2023
https://www.global.toshiba/ww/technology/corporate/review/2023/03.html