Prof. Trio Adiono Bangun Sistem 4G Independent Team in Remote Areas of Maluku and NTT
TEMPO.CO, Bandung - A team from ITB-STEI-PUI Mikroelektronika ITB built the first 4G technology system in the underdeveloped areas of Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The purpose of developing this system is to support distance learning. "We've developed a complete system so it can be self-sufficient, not dependent on cellular operators," said team leader Trio Adiono when contacted on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
The system, designed as a 4G signal transmitter station, includes a core network, power supply, antennas, and towers. Previously, the team, which had been researching internet network devices since 2007, prepared the InfiniteBe innovation in 2015 for 4G technology.
"As long as there are no cellular operators, we can provide a full-access network," said the lecturer at ITB's School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics.
In addition to operating independently, the transmitter station can be used for cellular operator networks. Its range ranges from 1 to 2.5 kilometers, depending on local conditions.
The towers are 30-60 meters tall, with adjustable transmission power ranging from 1 to 4 watts. "Users don't need a special app to access them on smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices," Adiono said.
This innovation, according to him, is suitable for use in blank spot areas or areas classified as 3T, namely lagging, frontier, outermost.
According to the Ministry of Education and Culture, tens of thousands of schools still lack internet access. The plan is to expand the installation of these devices to other regions with government funding.
So far, the InfiniteBe system, developed by ITB's Microelectronics Center, contains 42.5 percent domestic content. Adiono said this will be increased gradually.
The challenges of developing this 4G system include competitive pricing with major foreign telecommunications companies, location, and field conditions for device installation. According to the ITB website, installation of the 4G system began between September and December 2020.