Project background and challenges
As large-scale 5G commercialization accelerates, A faces multiple challenges across various scenarios—such as dense urban areas, transportation hubs, and vast rural regions. These include rising base station energy consumption, limited equipment room space, the need for simultaneous multi-standard service delivery, and the requirement for continuous coverage in complex environments:
High energy consumption of existing equipment drives up operating expenses (OPEX), creating an urgent need for eco-friendly, low-carbon upgrades;
Resource constraints at dense urban sites demand highly integrated BBU/RRU units that are easy to deploy and capable of supporting simultaneous 4G and 5G services;
Special scenarios—such as subways, high-speed rail lines, and mountainous regions—require seamless coverage and precise capacity adaptation;
Long-term network evolution requires support for smooth software upgrades and a centralized C-RAN architecture.
Overview of the Ericsson solution
To address these needs, A collaborated closely with Ericsson to adopt a joint deployment solution incorporating Ericsson’s latest-generation BBU (Baseband Unit) and RRU/AAU (Remote Radio Unit/Active Antenna Unit). Key components include:
Highly integrated BBU: Features an "all-in-one" architecture that integrates baseband signal processing, data switching, fronthaul and backhaul interfaces, power supply, and cooling fans. It offers a compact design, low energy consumption, high capacity, and great scalability, while supporting simultaneous 4G/5G services and remote software upgrades to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). High-performance RRU/AAU: Equipped with state-of-the-art, highly integrated MIMO processing chips and digital intermediate frequency (IF) chips, delivering significantly enhanced per-chip processing capabilities. Integrated advanced DPD (Digital Pre-Distortion) and PIM (Passive Intermodulation) reduction algorithms optimize radio frequency (RF) performance; multi-band integration (e.g., combining three frequency bands into three cells) reduces the number of remote units and lowers power consumption.
C-RAN centralized architecture: Utilizes a centralized pool of BBUs combined with remote RRUs. Remote sites require only outdoor antennas and RRUs—eliminating the need for air conditioning and equipment cabinets—which simplifies rooftop installations and reduces rental and electricity costs. Additionally, fronthaul solutions (such as the DWDM PAU 6000) allow for the reuse of existing fiber-optic infrastructure. Deep energy-saving capabilities and energy intelligence within the BBU: dynamically allocates baseband resources based on real-time network load; supports a deep energy-saving mode active 24/7, significantly reducing power consumption without impacting key performance indicators (KPIs).
Deployment highlights and key scenarios
Large-scale urban 5G SA deployment: Ericsson 64TR Active Antenna Units (AAUs) and highly integrated BBUs were deployed at 5G SA sites (3.5 GHz band) in [Location], delivering excellent performance in data, voice, and interoperability functions while facilitating seamless software upgrades for future evolution toward network co-construction and sharing.
Sustainable energy-efficiency practices: Mass activation of deep energy-saving functions within the operational network's BBUs achieved a 30%–40% reduction in average power consumption and a drop of approximately 5°C in average board temperature, thereby enhancing reliability. In some areas, the use of tri-band integrated remote radio units (RRUs) enabled annual energy savings exceeding 2,500 kWh per site—equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of a two-person household. Coverage in complex transport scenarios: Ericsson’s dual-mode base stations, RDS (Distributed Small Cells) systems, and multi-mode RRUs were deployed along the [Metro/Railway Line], achieving continuous coverage across platforms, concourses, tunnels, and surface track areas. With remote head distances exceeding 300 meters, equipment costs in low-capacity zones were reduced by over 50% while simultaneously meeting capacity requirements for high passenger density.
Joint construction, sharing, and upgrades at shared sites: Site upgrades were completed in under an hour at existing GSM/LTE locations by installing TD-LTE baseband boards or wall-mounted BBUs, alongside new RRUs and dual-band antennas. By reusing existing power supplies, transmission infrastructure, and racks, the solution enabled resource sharing among multiple operators and rapid service activation. Project results and value
By implementing Ericsson’s integrated BBU+RRU solution, A achieved significant results:
Energy efficiency: Average BBU power consumption dropped by over 30%, while multi-band RRU integration generated energy savings of up to 40%, contributing to reduced annual carbon emissions and lower operating expenses (OPEX);
Deployment efficiency: High BBU integration and C-RAN architecture shortened the construction cycle; existing site upgrades took approximately one hour, and cabinet-free remote deployment reduced engineering complexity;
Network performance: 5G SA/RAN Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) remained stable across various scenarios, ensuring continuous coverage in complex environments and delivering excellent user speeds and handover performance; Long-term evolution: Integrated BBUs and software-defined RRUs/AAUs facilitate a smooth transition to future frequency bands, standards, and Open RAN architectures.