With the new 5G base station, smaller companies, schools and universities that do not have large IT and technology departments will be able to set up their own secure 5G mobile network quickly and easily. This can then be used to expand 5G coverage on site, for example. Lime Microsystems plans to market the 5G solution commercially in the first half of 2024.

One of the new features is the ability to set up and maintain the 5G base station remotely. This means that anyone who wants to use the solution no longer needs any special knowledge - a Vodafone technician can join in and take over commissioning. In addition, the device now has a modular design and can optionally be operated with a rechargeable battery that enables operation for up to ten hours. This means that the small 5G station can also be used in disaster areas, for example with the help of a drone, which can be used to temporarily provide a 5G network in places that are difficult to access.

Practical business solution

The combination of the powerful 5G network and the versatile Raspberry Pi is designed to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe to access 5G-based mobile private networks. A Mobile Private Network (MPN) offers companies an alternative to the public mobile network by providing them with their own private, fast, reliable and highly secure network. MPNs are regularly used by large companies or organizations that need to connect a large number of devices, machines, autonomous vehicles and robots.

Raspberry Pi plus wireless board

The system that Vodafone is presenting at the Mobile World Congress combines a Raspberry Pi 4 with a small, 5G-compatible software-defined radio (SDR) board manufactured by the British specialist Lime Microsystems. This SDR board can turn any computer platform into a small 5G base station. The design of the board is fully compliant with the Open Radio Access Network (RAN) standards. The solution will also work on a Raspberry Pi 5, which offers even more power reserves, until it is launched on the market. The concept was developed at Vodafone's European research and development center in Málaga.