Ericsson ranked overall leader in ABI Research report on small cells vendors

“Ericsson is a leader because it delivers highly innovative DAS/DRS solutions, while demonstrating high commercial success and extensive portfolios,” says Samuel Bowling, Research Analyst at ABI Research.

In the April 2025 ABI Research report, Ericsson garnered a top innovator score of 85.4. “Ericsson, ranked at the top of the innovation category, made substantial investments in R&D to advance both sustainable and scalable DAS/DRS solutions,” according to the report.

Bowling adds: “Ericsson has focused its R&D efforts on several key innovations, particularly in 2024, with the release of products like the IRU 8850, Indoor Fusion 8818 and 8828, and the first 400 Megahertz (MHz) at 4×4 MIMO Dot model. These products bring several advantages over traditional active DASs, such as a 70% to 80% reduction in equipment footprint and energy consumption.”

The company has also introduced Indoor Advanced Positioning, which allows 5G devices to be located within a 1-meter radius without the need for specialized devices. “The Combined Cell feature helps further increase capacity through remote software updates, offering a more cost-effective and flexible solution for operators,” Bowling says.

Ericsson’s Radio Dot System incorporates the Combined Cell feature, combining multiple radio units into a single cell. “This design provides scalability, allowing the system to easily increase capacity when needed,” according to ABI Research, adding that a simple remote software configuration can “uncombine” the radios into separate cells, greatly expanding capacity without requiring a site visit. “This scalability advantage is key for operators looking to quickly expand network capacity.”

In the implementation ranking, vendors are assessed based on criteria such as commercial success and the breadth of their DAS/DRS portfolio. Ericsson earned the top spot as the leading implementer with a score of 79.4.

ABI Research DAS/DRS Vendors Competitive Ranking 2025.

“Ericsson’s portfolio has continued to evolve with a strong emphasis on its Radio Dot System, which is at the core of its DRS solutions,” Bowling says. “The Radio Dot System supports multiple operators on the same platform, offering significant advantages in terms of flexibility and cost savings compared to traditional active DAS systems. With up to four licensed bands supported on a single unit, Ericsson’s portfolio is tailored for modern, multi-technology networks, including 5G, while also maintaining compatibility with 2G, 3G, and 4G.”

The Radio Dot System can be used for both neutral host deployments and private 5G when using licensed spectrum for the private network.

Mårten Lerner, Head of Networks Strategy & Product Management, Business Area Networks, at Ericsson, says: “ABI’s analysis further proves that the indoor cellular market is at a turning point. We’re moving beyond basic public cellular coverage and expanding to ensure reliable, simpler, and high-performing indoor solutions at a lower cost. This advancement enables new 5G monetization opportunities in both enterprise and real estate segments, ranging from guaranteeing a great user experience in large public venues to factory automation with precise positioning.”

NOTES TO EDITORS
© 2025 ABI Research. Distributed with permission of ABI Research. DAS/DRS Vendors Competitive Ranking: April 14, 2025.

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