A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in BBU/RRU Equipment Procurement: Key Points from Requirements to Delivery

Baseband processing units (BBUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) are core components of wireless base stations. The quality of their procurement directly impacts network performance, O&M costs, and long-term reliability. When purchasing these devices, companies should focus on the following key aspects to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Requirements Matching: Avoiding "Meeting Specifications but Not Meeting Scenario Requirements"

Pre-procurement requires precise matching of network standards, deployment scenarios, and interface requirements:

• Network Standards and Frequency Bands: Clearly define the frequency bands covered (e.g., 2.6GHz/3.5GHz) and future evolution requirements (e.g., 5G NR upgrades). Require suppliers to provide a complete list of supported frequency bands and software upgrade capabilities.

• Scenario and Capacity: Calculate the required baseband processing power and number of RF channels (e.g., 4T4R/8T8R) based on the site type (macro/micro/indoor) and the number of users. Avoid over-specifying for low utilization or under-specifying for high load.

• Interface compatibility: Confirm the interface protocols (such as eCPRI/OBSAI) and speeds between the BBU and core network and transmission equipment, as well as the feeder interface (such as N-type connector/4.3-10 connector) between the RRU and antenna to ensure seamless integration with existing supporting equipment.

II. Supplier and Product Qualifications: Reject "low-price, low-quality" and "three-no" products.

Prioritize suppliers with reliable technology and compliant qualifications:

• Manufacturer Capability: Select mainstream communications equipment vendors (such as Huawei and ZTE) or those with successful case studies. Verify their R&D capabilities (baseband algorithm/RF design) and production line processes.

• Product Certification: Equipment must possess SRRC radio approval, network access license (domestic), and CE/FCC (overseas), and provide third-party testing reports for electromagnetic compatibility and environmental reliability (high and low temperature/salt spray).

• Avoid customization pitfalls: Avoid sacrificing key features for lower prices (such as downgrading component grades or simplifying heat dissipation design). Require equipment to meet industry standards (such as MTBF ≥ 500,000 hours and IP65 protection).

III. Full Lifecycle Cost: Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (Purchase + Operations & Maintenance)

Focus on hidden costs to avoid "saving upfront and then spending more later":
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Consider the equipment purchase price, supporting equipment (power supply/fiber), installation and commissioning fees, and expansion/upgrade costs over the next 3-5 years. Prioritize modular designs (such as hot-swappable cards) to reduce expansion costs.

• Power Consumption and Energy Efficiency: Verify the equipment's power consumption in typical scenarios (such as BBU full load power consumption and RRU channel count relative to energy consumption). Select products that support intelligent power saving (dynamic adjustment of processing capacity) to reduce long-term electricity costs.

• Spare Parts and Operations & Maintenance: Require suppliers to commit to a 5-year or longer supply of spare parts for key components (baseband chipsets/amplifiers), provide 24/7 technical support, and provide regular inspections. Prioritize integrated equipment + operations & maintenance contracts.

IV. Contract and Acceptance: Ensuring "Promises Fulfilled"

Avoid delivery risks through contractual clauses and strict acceptance:
• Technical Terms: Specify specific parameters such as baseband processing capacity (number of carriers/users), RF specifications (transmit power/ACLR), and interface speed (eCPRI ≥ 10Gbps), and stipulate liability for breach of contract (free replacement if the failure rate exceeds 1%).

• Acceptance Process: In addition to a visual inspection, instrument-based performance testing (such as concurrent user processing capacity, transmit power deviation, and latency) is required. Suppliers are also required to provide third-party test reports to ensure equipment meets standards.

In summary: BBU/RRU procurement must adhere to the four principles of "accurate requirements, reliable suppliers, controllable costs, and guaranteed delivery." From early planning to contract execution, comprehensive control is essential to ensure the selection of the right equipment, the establishment of a sound network, and the long-term, stable development of the company's business.