Huawei has introduced a demo of their new small cell running in LAA, Wi-Fi and LTE under an unlicensed spectrum. The demo also included the possibility of connecting LAA and Wi-Fi systems in small cells.

The demo, held during the 5G Tokyo Bay Summit 2015 at the Docomo R&D Center in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, demonstrated LAA's operating on a 5GHz unlicensed band. They also experimented with the integration of the Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) technology so that LAA can co-exist with other Wi-Fi systems in the area. The fascinating achievement here is that LAAs were able to perform on an LTE level with the help of the LBT.

According to RCRWireless, the LBTs are usually used by Wi-Fi systems that still require radio securities that check connections for interference.

Huawei explained that the LBT allows the LAA to "co-exist adequately with a neighboring Wi-Fi system, while maintaining most of the performance advantages of LTE."

LAAs were manufactured by Qualcomm to assist mobile operators to expand their reach in the Wi-Fi spectrum. Some Wi-Fi networks have doubts on making this system work, especially with other mobile operators. However, Qualcomm is confident that the product can help the consumers.

Qualcomm is reportedly filing reports to the Federal Communications Commission to consult on their LAAs and LTE-Unlicensed systems will still require government regulation.

According to Qualcomm SVP of Government Affairs Dean Brenner, "Any technology that meets a minimal set of technical rules is allowed in unlicensed spectrum, and no one using this spectrum has any priority over anyone else."

Brenner added that Qualcomm has been performing tests and conducting more research to strengthen the validity of these "coexistence techniques."

LAAs and LTE-Unlicensed are just one of the many innovations Qualcomm is focusing on right now. Brenner believes that these technologies will "improve the throughput for nearby Wi-Fi users."