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By Christine Lyons
Photos by Mark Holleron

Ericsson and �Ӱ�ԭ�� University recently announced a partnership to expand experiential learning, work and research opportunities in 5G wireless communications, an area of critical importance for people, businesses and society at large.

“Wireless communications have transformed the world, and now 5G wireless is about to change it again,” says Prof. John Lambadaris from �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, who has had a long-standing collaboration with Ericsson.

5G is the next generation of wireless communications that will augment and replace current 4G networks. Over the next few years, global demand for mobile data will surpass the capacity of 4G networks and 5G networks will be developed across Canada.

Users of 5G will experience faster and enhanced connections that keep up with increasing demands. This means higher download speeds and advancements in real-time social applications and gaming.

5G Revolutionizes Industries and Creates Opportunities

New 5G technologies will revolutionize industries, creating new profits and jobs. 5G enables real-time monitoring and sensing, a capability that will modernize applications in industries like health care, agriculture, transportation, robotics and autonomous vehicles. Think of surgeries that can be performed remotely or unmanned aerial vehicles that can deliver supplies for natural disaster relief.

While 5G creates possibilities for innovation, it also brings unique challenges in developing reliable, secure and high performing networks. Networking architecture and smart phone technology need to be ready for 5G, and equipment developers and service providers need to ensure the safety and privacy of 5G users.

“5G wireless systems depend on a backbone of leading edge, reliable and, most important, secure technology, designed and built by people who are leaders in their field,” says Lambadaris.

Fostering Talent and Research Through Partnership

The Ericsson-�Ӱ�ԭ�� University Partnership for Research and Leadership in Wireless Networks is well-positioned to meet these demands. Ericsson will support future leaders in wireless communications by continuing to be a top employer for �Ӱ�ԭ�� co-op students, and by supporting experiential and project-based learning. These opportunities will build industry-ready skills and expertise in Computer Science and Engineering students.

The partnership will also enhance talent development programs by supporting research projects, creating graduate student internships and establishing a prestigious Ericsson fellowship program.

“This partnership is a vote of confidence in �Ӱ�ԭ�� students,” says Salime Bameri, a PhD candidate in Systems and Computer Engineering who researches indoor wireless communications.

“At �Ӱ�ԭ��, we work on cutting-edge ideas and our research is directly connected to the real needs of industry.”

�Ӱ�ԭ��’s research will also address the growing global demand for 5G networks. Another aim of the Ericsson-�Ӱ�ԭ�� partnership is to build more reliable and secure wireless network technology over the long term.

“This partnership will lead to something extraordinary in this field and has the potential to make an incredible contribution to our health, well-being and opportunity in society,” says Rafik Goubran, �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Vice-President (Research and International).

“It will also give many faculty and students the opportunity to work collaboratively with leaders at Ericsson Canada.”

The Ericsson-�Ӱ�ԭ�� collaboration will take place in a new centre of excellence for wireless communications research in �Ӱ�ԭ��’s ARISE Building, which is specifically designed to foster collaboration with industry. In this centre of excellence, �Ӱ�ԭ�� researchers and students will access new equipment and tackle real industry challenges.

Beginning a New Era at �Ӱ�ԭ��

This announcement marks the beginning of a new era of partnerships with purpose at �Ӱ�ԭ�� — the idea that industry and community can collaborate with the university to develop solutions to business and societal needs.