Qualcomm Unveils Chip to Help Boost 4G LTE Connectivity Within Homes

Qualcomm has introduced a new SoC, the FSM90xx, which boosts 4G LTE connectivity via Wi-Fi routers. The technology is meant to help telecom operators provide better 4G LTE coverage within homes.

The new Qualcomm FSM90xx SoC can be included in Wi-Fi routers by manufacturers to give seamless LTE connectivity to those who struggle to catch networks inside their homes.

This product falls under the Qualcomm's 'small cell' project that lets wireless operators reuse a licensed spectrum by reducing the coverage area of the cell site. Qualcomm previously had 'femto cell' technology to improve 3G connectivity in homes and buildings. The femto cells are understood to revamp the voice coverage for consumers who get weak signal. The FSM90xx SoC is much cost-effective version of femto cells but for 4G LTE networks.

"This product is designed to help wireless operators fill coverage holes," stated Puneet Sethi, staff product manager for Qualcomm Atheros to Cnet. "One of the big differences is that it delivers this functionality in a form factor and with performance characteristics that are suitable for inclusion in a residential gateway."

In April, Qualcomm introduced two next-generation Snapdragon chips for smartphones and tablets, the Snapdragon 808 and Snapdragon 810. Both 64-bit Snapdragon processors bring improvements in low power consumption, processor performance, 3D rendering and LTE. Qualcomm says that the processors are anticipated to begin sampling in the second half of 2014 and will be available in commercial devices by the first half of 2015.

Both the processors are designed in 20nm technology node with fourth-generation Cat 6 LTE. Qualcomm refers to both designs as "multi-billion transistor" chips. The Snapdragon 808 and 810 do not feature Qualcomm's own custom-built Krait central processing cores. The hexa-core Snapdragon 808 uses a combination of four Cortex A53 and two low-power Cortex A57 CPU cores, while the octa-core Snapdragon 810 uses four Cortex A53 and four Cortex A57 cores. In both processors, all CPU cores can be active at once.