ZTE Corporation, on Wednesday jointly exhibited pre-commercial 5G 3D/massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) base stations with China Mobile at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
 
“ZTE takes the lead in introducing 3D/Massive MIMO and other key 5G technologies into existing networks, helping operators seize 5G opportunities in the 4G era. With excellent performance and unique design, the base station can basically meet the requirements for commercial use,” said Dr. Xiang Jiying, Chief Scientist of ZTE.
 
During the demonstration using Massive MIMO technology, the base stations reached a peak value three times as high as that of traditional 8 antenna base stations in a joint field test, setting new records in both spectral efficiency and single-carrier capacity.
 
3D/Massive MIMO, which is one of the major 5G technologies, uses the multi-antenna technology to improve radio spectral frequency exponentially, and enhance network coverage and system capacity, helping operators make full use of existing sites and spectrum resources.
 
The innovative Pre5G 3D/Massive MIMO outdoor base station integrates baseband units (BBUs) and radio frequency units (RFUs), and has 64 ports 128 antennas, with an overall frontal area similar to that of an 8-antenna base station. By integrating BBUs, RFUs, and antennas, the innovative Pre5G base station requires only a third of the installation space of traditional mobile base stations, allowing for easier installation and maintenance, and significantly lowering operators' TCO.