What Breakthrough has the Broadband Forum Found in 5G FWA?

The Broadband Forum has recently published a technical report describing how one 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) connection can distribute broadband to multiple apartments in multi-dwelling units (MDU)  by reusing in-building wiring. 

The approach connects an outdoor 5G customer premises device to existing cabling so properties without fibre to each unit can offer gigabit service tiers.

FWA runs over a radio link between a base station and user equipment such as 5G modems. Bands below 6 GHz support wide coverage.

For higher rates, operators target Frequency Range 2 at 24–40 GHz. Signals at these millimetre-wave frequencies weaken through walls and structural materials, so outdoor placement of premises equipment is used.

Broadband Forum Multi-Tenant FWA Project Stream Lead and Wistron NeWeb Corporation Senior Director, Technology Mike Talbert, says: “This publication is a gamechanger for broadband service providers and will ensure that customers, regardless of what type of property they reside in, are served equally when it comes to broadband connectivity.

“By reusing the existing in-building infrastructure, multiple tenants can be served with one 5G FWA connection and this specification promises more efficient use of 5G resources, simplified and unified management and reduced operating costs for operators.”

Broadband Forum details multi-tenant FWA architecture

The specification addresses limits seen in MDUs where fibre is absent or hard to extend to each door. Apartment service tiers in such buildings often remain around 1 Gbps and per-tenant FWA links can show variable performance in large properties. 

The report outlines a shared 5G connection to the site that then distributes service indoors over twisted pair, telephone wiring or coaxial cabling from an attic or basement.

In deployment, a provider positions a 5G outdoor modem with line-of-sight to the serving cell. A gateway hands off traffic to existing in-building media using standards suited to longer runs and legacy cable types. 

The model extends reach across risers and floors without pulling new fibre to every apartment. For operations, a shared entry point concentrates upgrades and diagnostics at a common node instead of multiple tenant locations.

How do Nokia and Wistron NeWeb contribute to the work?

The project began in 2023 and has defined architecture and requirements for serving apartments using converged and pure 5G approaches. 

Device placement, power, management and firmware align with Wistron NeWeb product considerations for customer premises equipment and modules.

Nokia contributes through the Broadband Forum Network Architecture Work Area. The specification sits alongside guidance on integrating FWA with 5G core and radio access and with in-building distribution.

It sets out interfaces and management models that support per-apartment provisioning, traffic separation and monitoring across a shared access link, enabling alignment with existing operations support systems.

Broadband Forum Network Architecture Work Area Co-Director and Nokia Strategy and Standardization Manager Christele Bouchat, says: "In the past, restrictions set by property owners or the design of existing MDU buildings have limited the possibilities for making high-capacity broadband services available to these subscribers.

“The latest specification addresses these limitations by allowing the installation of a high-performance 5G outdoor FWA system that can be shared by potentially dozens of tenants and connected through existing cabling already in the building.”