Next-Generation Radios: Unprecedented Capacity, Simplified Site Deployment and Superior Energy Efficiency

ZTE is dedicated to continuously innovating its AAU/RRU solutions for wireless networks, with a focus on addressing key challenges such as the growing demand for large capacity and optimal user experience, crowded tower space, and a high carbon footprint. ZTE AAU/RRU series is well-suited for any CSPs modernizing 4G networks and rolling out 5G networks, with careful consideration of the best TCO.

Industry’s First Single Sub-6 GHz 5G Cell Achieves Peak Throughput of 10 Gbps+       

Over the past four years, since the advent of 5G networks, the number of 5G users has surpassed 1.2 billion. Both total mobile internet traffic and monthly average user traffic (DOU) have doubled. Various video applications continue to evolve, introducing services like 4K/8K resolution, VR/AR, and glasses-free 3D. Existing service upgrades and new services impose higher demands on network capabilities. According to GlobalData’s predictions, global network traffic is expected to increase 3.5 times by 2026 compared to 2022. The emergence of new high-traffic services will intensify the demand for network throughput, thereby amplifying the need for capacity enhancement.

The introduction of ultra-large-scale MIMO, with increased channels and antenna elements in higher sub-6 GHz frequencies, is a key research area in evolving wireless technologies for 5G-Advanced and 6G, recognized by standardization organizations and enterprises. Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) also represents a significant innovation for 5G-Advanced and 6G. The industry anticipates incorporating higher frequency bands like 4.9 GHz in sub-6 GHz for improved sensing accuracy with more transceivers.

• Coverage enhancement: The new AAU (Fig. 1) has doubled transceivers and antenna elements, which enhance beamforming capabilities and significantly improve cell capacity and coverage. The 128TR AAU boasts 798 antenna elements, providing a coverage gain of over 5 dB compared to the conventional 64TR AAU with a maximum of 192 antenna elements. Notably, the vertical scan angle has expanded from 12 to 24 degrees, ensuring sufficient vertical coverage, especially for high-rise buildings in densely populated urban areas.
• Capacity increase: The new AAU achieves 32 downlink streams and 24 uplink streams, doubling spectral efficiency compared to 64TR without relying on protocols or increasing uplink/downlink DMRS overhead. This results in a doubling of cell peak data rate and up to a 40% enhancement in user throughputs.
• Standard evolution: In 3GPP Release 18, supporting up to 24 DMRS ports for both uplink and downlink is achievable without additional DMRS overhead. Release 19, specific to 128TR, introduces support for 128 port CSI-RS. This enhancement improves channel state information estimation and utilization, facilitating better beamforming and overall network optimization.

We have successfully tested the first 128TR massive MIMO AAU at 4.9 GHz in collaboration with China Mobile. The results demonstrate that on a 100 MHz single carrier, the downlink peak data rate of the cell is 10.3 Gbps, twice the current 5G network’s maximum spectrum efficiency. The uplink peak data rate is 2.8 Gbps, 2.4 times the existing 5G network’s maximum spectrum efficiency.

During the festival of lights event in China (Nov. 21–30), the 128TR AAU outperformed 64TR sites, boosting downlink and uplink rates by 70% and improving spectrum efficiency by over 40%. It excelled in emergency support at large-scale concerts with 800+ connected users, and its power-saving scheme reduced consumption to watt-levels, ensuring considerable energy savings for base stations.

ZTE’s UBR Series for Site Simplicity and Energy Efficiency

In response to the needs of both developed and developing markets, ZTE offers a comprehensive ultra-broadband radio (UBR) series based on the new-generation platform, providing simplified and energy-efficient solutions to CSPs. These solutions aim to optimize TCO through simplified site deployment and significant energy savings.

• Simplified site deployment: ZTE’s UBR series streamlines tower sites with unique features. It includes the industry’s only three-sector-in-one UBRs, providing high output power in a single unit. This series reduces the number of radios per base station from fifteen to just two with the introduction of 6TR and 12TR UBRs, resulting in significant cost savings of up to 60% on rental expenses. ZTE also offers a unique FDD-TDD-integrated 5G UBR for seamless multi-RAT integration, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Significant energy savings: ZTE’s UBR series brings substantial energy savings with high-efficiency technologies. The unique RF pooling solution optimizes power amplifier utilization, resulting in up to 40% energy savings. The RRU hibernation function and AI-based traffic prediction further contribute to additional power reduction. With a significant reduction in power consumption, ZTE’s UBR series helps operators minimize costs and build a sustainable and efficient network infrastructure.

ZTE supports its industry leading UBR series through three key technologies.

• Unique Super-N power amplifier architecture: ZTE employs an innovative Super-N architecture with a multi-level optimal adjustment system, enhancing efficiency and reducing power consumption at multiple levels for improved output performance. This results in an 8–10 percentage point increase in power amplifier efficiency compared to the previous generation, leading to a 15–20% reduction in total power consumption.
• Advanced algorithm: ZTE develops a successful cognitive radio digital pre-distortion (CR-DPD) algorithm, reducing power fallback for efficient and linear power amplifier operation. This innovation leads to lower power consumption and improved performance.
• Unique RF pooling solutions: Leveraging the UBR series, ZTE develops unique RF pooling solutions dynamically adjusting output power among sectors to increase revenue, save energy, and ensure an optimal user experience. Effectively managing increased traffic, these solutions convert it into substantial revenue without negatively impacting performance or coverage. With a 15–20% boost in busy sectors, subscribers enjoy an enhanced experience, and operators achieve increased power efficiency.

In recent projects, over 50,000 new-generation ZTE’s UBRs have been successfully deployed in more than 20 countries worldwide. Addressing crowded conditions in existing tower and pole installations, these deployments increase output power and capacity in the FDD

sub-3 GHz range, improving performance while significantly reducing energy consumption. For instance, in one operator’s case, where there is a growing demand for multi-technology multi-band service and traffic, tower load efficiency and space optimization are vital. In high-traffic hotspot areas, the operator introduces the unique tri-band UBR with the industry’s highest output power, reducing site footprint by two-thirds and power consumption by 50%. This leads to significant savings in tower space and rental expenses. With UBR replacement and AI features, the total power efficiency (GB/KWh) improves by up to 21.6%.

Conclusion

ZTE AAU/UBR series addresses the major needs of mobile operators in different regions. It plays an increasingly important role for the vast majority of CSPs, as UBR facilitates super cost-effective 4G modernization and enhances 5G coverage with increased cost-effectiveness. This not only addresses the most pressing current demands but also provides better solutions for future business growth.