Ericsson Radio 2217 and Radio 2219 are both 2T2R remote radio units from the Ericsson Radio System, but they target different jobs. Radio 2217 is the compact, lighter unit with up to 2 x 40 W output and WCDMA/LTE support. Radio 2219 is the larger macro radio with up to 2 x 60 W or 2 x 80 W (depending on band), multi-standard GSM, WCDMA, LTE and NB-IoT support, and more carriers per radio. If you need GSM, high power or a wide WCDMA/LTE carrier mix, choose the 2219; if you need a lighter 2T2R unit for WCDMA or LTE capacity, the 2217 is usually enough.
Below we compare the two models side by side, using figures from Ericsson datasheets and product descriptions, and list what to check when buying used units.
Radio 2217 vs Radio 2219: Specification Comparison
Figures vary slightly between band variants and document revisions, so always confirm against the label (KRC number) of the specific unit.
| Parameter | Radio 2217 | Radio 2219 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 2T2R | 2T2R |
| Maximum output power | Up to 2 x 40 W (2 x 10/20/30/40 W options) | Up to 2 x 80 W or 2 x 60 W, depending on band |
| Radio access technologies | WCDMA, LTE | GSM, WCDMA, LTE FDD, NB-IoT |
| Instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) | Up to 40 MHz | 40 MHz on most bands, up to 60 MHz on B1; 20 MHz for GSM |
| Carriers | WCDMA multi-carrier; LTE up to 40 MHz | Up to 8 WCDMA carriers, up to 7 GSM carriers in MSR |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 351 x 298 x 127 mm (138 mm deep with fan) | 466 x 343 x 154 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 12.3 kg (12.8 kg with optional fan unit) | Approx. 17–19 kg, depending on variant |
| Fronthaul | 2 optical CPRI ports, up to 9.8 Gbps, exchangeable SFPs | 2 optical CPRI ports, up to 9.8 Gbps, exchangeable SFPs |
| Power supply | -48 V DC (AC with optional PSU) | -48 V DC (AC with optional PSU) |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +55 °C | -40 to +55 °C |
Key Differences Explained
1. Output power and coverage
The biggest practical difference is power. Radio 2217 delivers up to 40 W per branch, which suits capacity layers, urban sites and smaller coverage areas. Radio 2219 delivers up to 80 W per branch on bands such as B3, B2, B8A and B28, and up to 60 W per branch on bands such as B1 and B8. That extra power makes the 2219 the more common choice for macro coverage layers, especially on low bands.
On both models, output power above a base level is controlled by a software license (above 20 W total on the 2217, above 2 x 10 W on the 2219). When you move a used radio to a new network, make sure the target node has the right output power licenses, otherwise the unit will not transmit at full power.
2. GSM support
Radio 2219 supports GSM, WCDMA, LTE and NB-IoT, including mixed-mode operation. Ericsson’s product description for Radio 2217 lists WCDMA and LTE only. If your site still carries a GSM layer, or you plan to run GSM and LTE on the same 1800 MHz or 900 MHz radio, the 2219 is the correct unit.
3. Bandwidth and carriers
Both radios offer up to 40 MHz instantaneous bandwidth on most bands. The 2219 B1 variant goes up to 60 MHz, which is useful when an operator holds a wide 2100 MHz allocation split between WCDMA and LTE. The 2219 also supports more carriers per radio (up to 8 WCDMA carriers, up to 7 GSM carriers in multi-standard mode), so it handles busy multi-RAT sites better.
4. Size, weight and installation
Radio 2217 is about 5 kg or more lighter and noticeably smaller. That matters for pole, wall and rooftop sites with weight limits, or where a single rigger has to lift the unit. It also has an optional fan unit for hot locations. Radio 2219 needs a slightly larger mounting footprint, but it is still installed close to the antenna like any other remote radio.
5. Baseband connection
Both radios connect to Ericsson basebands over CPRI with two optical ports and exchangeable SFP modules, so they fit the same Baseband 6630, 6631 and 6648 based sites. Software release and license support on the baseband still decide which band and RAT combinations work. Our Ericsson radio and baseband compatibility guide covers this in more detail.
Common Band Variants
Each model is sold as separate band variants, each with its own KRC product number. Examples we handle include:
- Ericsson Radio 2217 B7 (KRC 161 428/1), 2600 MHz
- Ericsson Radio 2217 B20 (KRC 161 549/1), 800 MHz
- Ericsson Radio 2219 B1 (KRC 161 622/1), 2100 MHz, 2 x 60 W
- Ericsson Radio 2219 B8 (KRC 161 670/1), 900 MHz
The band suffix on the label must match the spectrum you plan to use. A B3 unit cannot be retuned to B1, and some bands have sub-variants (for example B3A or B8A) that cover a different part of the band. You can browse all available variants in our Ericsson category.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Radio 2217 for WCDMA or LTE capacity layers, small macro or urban sites, and installations where weight and size are limited.
- Choose Radio 2219 for GSM or mixed GSM/LTE sites, low-band coverage layers, rural macro sites and anywhere you need 60–80 W per branch.
- For like-for-like replacement, order the same model and band variant as the failed unit, so that configuration, cabling and licenses stay unchanged.
What to Check When Buying Used Radio 2217 or 2219 Units
- Label and KRC number: confirm the model, band variant and R-state match your requirement.
- Test results: ask whether the unit was tested on a live baseband, with output power and VSWR checked on both branches.
- Alarm status: the unit should start without hardware alarms when connected to a baseband.
- Connectors: check RF ports, the power connector and the SFP cages for damage or corrosion.
- Licenses: remember that output power and capacity licenses sit on the baseband/node side, not in the radio itself.
FAQ
Does Ericsson Radio 2217 support GSM?
Ericsson’s product description lists WCDMA and LTE for Radio 2217. For GSM or mixed GSM/LTE operation, Radio 2219 is the usual choice.
Can I replace a Radio 2217 with a Radio 2219?
In many cases yes, if the 2219 is the same band and the baseband software and licenses support it. Check mounting space, weight limits and power supply capacity, since the 2219 is larger and heavier and runs at higher output power.
Do Radio 2217 and 2219 use the same SFP modules?
Both use exchangeable optical SFP modules on two CPRI ports. Use SFPs that match the CPRI rate and fiber type configured between the radio and the baseband.
Is every 2219 rated at 2 x 80 W?
No. Output power depends on the band variant: for example, B3 and B28 variants are rated up to 2 x 80 W, while B1 and B8 variants are rated up to 2 x 60 W.
Buy Tested Ericsson Radio Units
Telecombts supplies used and refurbished Ericsson Radio 2217 and Radio 2219 units in multiple band variants. Every unit is functionally tested and VSWR tested before shipment, covered by a 90-day warranty, and shipped worldwide in secure packaging. Contact us on WhatsApp at +86 187 3329 4669 or +86 139 3088 8705, email jack@telecombts.com, or use the form on our contact page. We also buy surplus Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia equipment: see sell your equipment.