Airspan Networks Introduces Compact, Scalable AirUnity Platform to Enhance Coverage, Capacity and Rapid Network Expansion Across Diverse Environments
Airspan Networks Holdings, Inc. has unveiled its next-generation small cell portfolio, the AirUnity Small Cell suite, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of 4G and 5G network densification. Designed to empower mobile network operators (MNOs), enterprises, neutral host providers, and public sector organizations, the AirUnity product line addresses one of the telecommunications industry’s most pressing challenges: delivering high-performance, scalable, and cost-efficient connectivity across increasingly complex indoor and outdoor environments.
As global demand for seamless connectivity continues to surge—driven by cloud applications, IoT expansion, AI-powered services, immersive media, and mission-critical enterprise workloads—network operators face mounting pressure to enhance coverage and capacity. Traditional macro network architectures alone are no longer sufficient to meet these demands. Small cells, deployed strategically in high-traffic and hard-to-reach areas, have become essential components of modern heterogeneous network strategies. Airspan’s AirUnity portfolio is purpose-built to meet these evolving requirements with flexibility, performance, and future-readiness at its core.
Redefining Small Cell Architecture
AirUnity distinguishes itself as the industry’s first fully integrated small cell portfolio combining 4G LTE and 5G NR-capable basebands within a unified platform. Supporting both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G modes, the solution enables operators to maintain continuity with existing LTE infrastructure while transitioning smoothly to full 5G deployments.
The product line operates across multiple frequency bands in both time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD) configurations, ensuring compatibility with diverse spectrum holdings worldwide. This multi-band, multi-mode capability simplifies deployment planning and allows operators to tailor configurations based on geography, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.
A key innovation within AirUnity is its support for both split-2 and all-in-one (AIO) architectures. Split-2 architecture enables separation between radio units and centralized processing functions, offering flexibility for distributed deployments or centralized network management. Meanwhile, the AIO configuration integrates baseband and radio functions into a compact unit, making it ideal for space-constrained environments such as residential settings or smaller enterprise facilities. By offering both architectural models within a unified portfolio, Airspan enables operators to optimize total cost of ownership while maintaining deployment agility.
Concurrent LTE and 5G NR Operation
One of the most significant benefits of the AirUnity suite is its ability to support concurrent LTE and 5G NR operation within a single product range. This dual-mode capability is particularly valuable during transitional phases of network evolution. Many operators still rely heavily on LTE networks to serve a broad base of subscribers, even as 5G adoption accelerates.
With AirUnity, operators can extend coverage for both radio access technologies (RATs) simultaneously, reducing the need for separate hardware platforms. This consolidation streamlines operations, lowers equipment and maintenance costs, and minimizes site complexity. Furthermore, the integrated baseband design allows seamless coordination between LTE and NR layers, improving overall spectral efficiency and user experience.
The portfolio is also software-upgradeable from LTE to NR, enabling operators to align their technology evolution with spectrum availability and market demand. Rather than undertaking disruptive hardware replacements, service providers can transition to advanced 5G capabilities through remote software updates, protecting existing investments while accelerating time-to-market for new services.
Integrated Baseband Processing for Flexible Deployment
AirUnity’s integrated baseband processing capabilities open new possibilities for both indoor and outdoor deployments. For enterprise environments, the solution can be deployed across large organizational LANs, simplifying integration with existing IT infrastructure. This makes it particularly well suited for corporate campuses, manufacturing facilities, healthcare institutions, universities, and transportation hubs where reliable wireless coverage is mission-critical.
For outdoor deployments, AirUnity supports connectivity over a wide range of backhaul options, including fiber, microwave, and satellite. This flexibility enables operators to extend coverage to remote or underserved areas where traditional backhaul infrastructure may be limited or unavailable. The ability to leverage satellite backhaul is especially valuable for rural communities, emergency response scenarios, and temporary event-based deployments.
By combining compact form factors with high-performance processing, AirUnity supports scalable network densification strategies in urban cores, suburban neighborhoods, industrial zones, and rural regions alike.
Addressing Diverse Use Cases
AirUnity small cells are engineered to address a broad spectrum of connectivity requirements:
1. Large Enterprise Coverage and Capacity
In large buildings and campus environments, user density can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. AirUnity enables enterprises to deploy high-capacity indoor small cells that ensure consistent coverage, low latency, and high throughput. This supports business-critical applications such as real-time collaboration tools, augmented reality workflows, IoT device management, and secure private network operations.
2. Residential and Small Office Connectivity
For residential homes and small offices, plug-and-play deployment simplifies installation. Operators can rapidly expand coverage in areas where macro signals struggle to penetrate thick building materials. This improves user satisfaction, reduces churn, and supports growing demands for streaming, gaming, and remote work applications.
3. High-Density Outdoor Expansion
Urban hotspots such as stadiums, shopping centers, transportation corridors, and entertainment districts require targeted capacity boosts. AirUnity’s outdoor configurations allow operators to offload traffic from congested macro cells and deliver enhanced data speeds in high-demand zones.
4. Rural and Underserved Areas
Expanding reliable connectivity to rural and underserved communities remains a global priority. AirUnity’s compatibility with flexible backhaul options and scalable power configurations makes it well suited for rural deployments, bridging the digital divide and supporting economic development initiatives.
Powered by EdgeQ Innovation
The AirUnity portfolio is powered by advanced baseband processors from EdgeQ, a Silicon Valley–based semiconductor innovator. EdgeQ developed the world’s first software-defined 4G+5G “Base Station-on-a-Chip,” integrating multi-mode and multi-band functionality onto a single chip.
This software-defined architecture provides significant advantages. It allows dynamic reconfiguration of radio parameters, scalable transmit power levels, and support for a broad range of RF transceivers. As a result, Airspan can deliver consistent performance across its small cell lineup while adapting to varied regulatory and environmental requirements.
The integration of EdgeQ’s physical layer software ensures that AirUnity systems remain future-proof and capable of accommodating evolving 3GPP standards. By consolidating capabilities onto a single chip, the design reduces hardware complexity, lowers power consumption, and improves reliability—critical factors for dense deployments.
Proven Expertise and Industry Experience
Airspan brings a strong track record to the launch of AirUnity. The company has delivered more than one million small cells globally to Tier 1 mobile operators and enterprises. This extensive deployment history demonstrates not only product maturity but also deep systems integration expertise.
Amit Jain, Senior Vice President and General Manager of In-Building Networks at Airspan, emphasized the strategic importance of small cells in today’s network landscape. He noted that as operators and enterprises seek to extend coverage and capacity while ensuring network proximity for optimal performance, solutions like AirUnity provide the flexibility and efficiency needed to scale networks responsibly and cost-effectively.
Airspan’s broader portfolio spans in-building systems, outdoor wireless solutions, digital distributed antenna systems (DAS), open RAN architectures, and air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity platforms. This breadth positions the company as a comprehensive wireless infrastructure partner capable of supporting both public and private network environments.
Showcasing Innovation at Mobile World Congress
Airspan is set to showcase AirUnity and its broader portfolio at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from March 2–5. The event serves as a premier global gathering for the telecommunications industry, providing a platform to demonstrate advancements in small cell technology, digital DAS, 5G infrastructure, ATG connectivity, and open RAN solutions.
By participating in this high-profile event, Airspan aims to engage with operators, enterprises, technology partners, and policymakers to explore collaborative opportunities and demonstrate how AirUnity supports next-generation connectivity strategies.
Strengthening the 5G Ecosystem
The introduction of AirUnity reflects broader trends shaping the wireless ecosystem. As 5G networks mature, operators are moving beyond initial macro rollouts toward more granular densification strategies. Enterprise adoption of private 5G networks is accelerating, driven by Industry 4.0 use cases such as automation, robotics, predictive maintenance, and mission-critical communications.
Small cells are central to these initiatives, providing localized coverage, improved spectral efficiency, and reduced latency. AirUnity’s integrated, software-defined, and upgradeable architecture aligns with these needs, enabling operators to build adaptive, resilient networks capable of supporting future technological evolution.
Corporate Overview
Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Airspan Networks Holdings LLC is a U.S.-based, globally operating wireless solutions provider delivering carrier-grade 5G and advanced connectivity solutions. Its portfolio spans three core solution areas: in-building networks, outdoor infrastructure, and air-to-ground communications.
The company serves mobile network operators, neutral host providers, enterprises, public sector organizations, and service providers worldwide. Through its focus on open RAN standards, digital DAS systems, and compact base stations, Airspan supports scalable, cost-efficient deployment models that enhance network coverage, increase capacity, and accelerate service delivery.
