5G-A Minimalist Private Network Reshapes Live Broadcasting

Following the commercial debut of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) in 2024, telecommunications carriers and industry stakeholders are focused on leveraging 5G-A networks to drive industrial innovation, facilitate industry transformation, and catalyze market monetization. ZTE’s 5G-A minimalist private network solution for wireless production and broadcasting effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional wired broadcasting systems and the performance constraints of existing wireless alternatives, offering  highlights such as efficient deployment, flexible customization, and scalability. This solution has been successfully applied in major broadcasting events, including the 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala and the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma), injecting fresh momentum into the media production and broadcasting sector.

Media Broadcasting Challenges

Traditional wired broadcasting solutions face multiple constraints, including complex cable deployment, high costs, difficult maintenance, and safety risks. Previous wireless attempts at video production and broadcasting using Wi-Fi and 4G have proven inadequate. Wi-Fi, operating on unauthorized spectrum, suffers from low security and vulnerability to interference. 4G systems, on the other hand, face limitations in capacity and latency, and strong interference. Traditional sub-6 GHz is constrained by bandwidth resources, and the number of wireless cameras supported by 100 MHz bandwidth is limited. It cannot evolve to meet the needs of 4K/8K or shallow compression, nor meet the end-to-end latency requirements of hundreds of milliseconds for live broadcast scenarios. 5G-A millimeter wave (mmWave), with its large capacity and low latency, has become the optimal choice for the wireless transformation of media production and broadcasting.

ZTE's 5G-A Minimalist Private Network Solution

Based on the large bandwidth and low latency of 5G-A mmWave, ZTE launched the 5G-A minimalist private network solution for wireless production and broadcasting. This solution combines multiple types of 5G-A RF equipment with the NodeEngine computing board to create a high-performance, ultra-reliable minimalist private network for media production and broadcasting (Fig. 1).

Cable-Free: High Integration and Compatibility

The solution uses a wireless backpack that integrates encoding, battery and 5G-A transmission equipment (CPE), allowing camera operators to pick up the camera and shoot freely without being encumbered by cables. The backpack features a lightweight design, with a volume of about 3 L and a weight of about 5 kg, enabling photographers to work for a long time without strain. In addition, the 5G-A wireless backpack is compatible with all camera equipment using standard open interfaces (SDI/HDMI), facilitating a smooth transition to a wireless mode.

High Performance: Ultra-High Capacity and Ultra-Low Latency

On the network side, the solution offers scenario-specific RF equipment. For outdoor deployments, the industry-leading 1.6 GHz 5G-A mmWave AAU provides extensive, high-quality coverage. In indoor environments, the compact 5G-A mmWave MiCell micro-station can be used, featuring cascading capabilities through multiple head-ends to expand coverage.

Video data is wirelessly transmitted from cameras to RF units, then to the 5G-A BBU. The NodeEngine board, deployed on the same chassis as the BBU, identifies and locally offloads data, enabling direct transmission to the local broadcast center with minimal latency.

In the end-to-end transmission, the solution supports a maximum single-camera uplink rate of up to 2 Gbps, with just 4 ms wireless RTT latency. With end-to-end latency kept within 100 milliseconds, the solution enables seamless switching between wired and wireless camera feeds. This high performance meets current operational needs. supports near-term business evolution, and enables a smooth transition from wired systems.

High Reliability: Efficient Deployment with Enhanced Security

The solution requires only an on-site 5G-A network with a plug-and-play NodeEngine board on the BBU. After initial verification, a single technician can activate the network within two days. All data remains local for security, and  flexible base station deployment options support various scenarios.

The 5G-A minimalist private network solution eliminates traditional cable constraints while maintaining high picture quality. It meets mobility demands, such as flexible capture, tracking shots, and close-up filming, and supports future features like AR overlays, higher resolutions, and cloud integration.

During the 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, the 5G-A solution supported multiple wireless HD cameras with 99.99999% reliability throughout the over 5-hour broadcast. It achieved seamless switching between wireless and wired feeds, and was recognized by CCTV as a breakthrough achievement in the field of new media production and broadcasting. The midnight countdown live close-up shot, captured via the 5G-A wireless camera, proved the solution's stability. The vertical-screen broadcast garnered 420 million views—up 57.58% compared to the same period in 2023, marking a milestone in cable-free broadcasting.

The successful implementation of 5G-A technology in media broadcasting marks a pivotal advancement in the industry's transformation. By reshaping content production, streamlining workflows, and fostering new industrial chains, this breakthrough highlights the strong value of 5G-A in practical applications.