Vodafone UK and Huawei have been conducting technical trials of a new mobile technology – 4.5G (TDD+) with LTE TDD – to significantly increase the capacity and efficiency of their 4G network in urban areas, as well as prepare for the introduction of 5G by 2020, a statement said here on Wednesday.

“We are working hard with our radio network equipment partners to ensure our network is future-proofed for the expected arrival of 5G in four to five years’ time, whilst continually improving our 4G performance for customers throughout the UK,” said Jorge Fernandes, Vodafone UK’s Chief Technology Officer.

The new Multiple-Output technique eight-way transmits and receive (8T8R) — together with multi-user beamforming are being tested in Manchester.

These will support the expected rapid growth in video and virtual reality applications with the arrival of next generation smartphones.

Unlike traditional methods of transmitting mobile signals between base stations and mobiles, beam forming and four-way receiver diversity significantly improves performance in heavily built up areas, by combining the signals from multiple angles and co-located antennas in order to reduce interference and improve throughput.

The trial involves 4×4 versions of MIMO in order to deliver mobile data services at much greater speeds and with improved accuracy.

The 8T8R beamforming concentrates the user-specific energy and multiplexes the resource between different users, thus increasing the average as well as the optimum performance.