[PSA] Sprint announces GEN3 (4th iteration) Magic Box
Tim Yu
Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 - 12:45 PM PDT
[Edit] It has come to the attention of S4GRU that the Magic Box also supports CDMA Voice
Today, Sprint announced the newest Magic Box™ to the world. This Magic Box was first spotted in early summer and S4GRU did a quick write up on it here. Today's announcement formally revealed what new technologies this 3rd Generation public release will give to us.
The highlights:
QuoteThe newest Sprint Magic Box is a free-standing unit that dramatically improves data coverage and increases download speeds on average by 250 percent[1] to provide nearby Sprint customers a better data and customer experience overall. The LTE Advanced-capable device uses 4x4 MIMO, higher order modulation (256QAM) and three-carrier aggregation within Sprint’s licensed spectrum for a reliable, sustainable experience.
The new unit also includes Wi-Fi backhaul so the device can work using a Wi-Fi connection if wireless coverage is not available. Sprint Magic Box has a color screen that clearly displays key information, two USB ports for charging devices, and an Ethernet port for future support of network devices
This is some huge stuff here especially for technology nerds!
Previous Magic Box's only utilized LTE UE Relay for backhaul up to 2 carrier aggregation at 2x2 MIMO at 64 QAM modulation. With 3 CA, 256 QAM, and 4x4 MIMO, this new Magic Box has the same capability as a Gigabit Class device on the Sprint™ network!
In addition the notes about Wi-FI connection working for backhaul are huge. Sprint Band 25 or Band 41 may not reach indoors or even in some neighborhoods due to macro coverage patterns even though a Magic Box is available to use in a region. By having the option to use locally supplied internet via WiFi as backhaul, this allows Magic Boxes to enter locations where LTE UE Relay does not work. In addition, the ethernet port tidbit may also be a hint that using ethernet backhaul could also be an option.
If so, this Magic Box would potentially support 3 choices of backhaul all in one unit; LTE UE Relay, WiFi, and Ethernet! Wow!
With the coming arrival of VoLTE opt in in the near future, LTE coverage indoors is a huge concern. The now expanded reach of this new Magic Box into places previously unreachable is a huge step forward. Exciting!
Sprint and Airspan sure loves Magic!
- 11
- 2
17 Comments
Recommended Comments