If the biggest mobile fiesta was just about smartphone devices, it would only turn out to be a specs competition and nothing more. But, Mobile World Congress is a stage for the demonstration of next-generation technologies and innovations as well. ZTE understands the same and has thus, partnered with Intel to show off the world’s first 5G IT Baseband Unit (BBU).
As described in the official release, IT BBU is the first software-defined networking (SDN) or network function virtualisation (NFV) 5G radio access network solution. This is based on Intel’s architecture and compatible with 2G/3G/4G/Pre5G. It also supports cloud-RAN, distributed-RAN and has a “large capacity, high integration, and multi-mode flexible networking features.” This means that the said virtualisation solution is robust enough for scalability in future deployments.
For those unaware of Baseband Units, it is where baseband signals () are processed in telecom systems. The BBU is popularly known for its modular design, small size, and low power consumption. Further, it is placed inside the components room and responsible for communication through the physical interface.
Talking about the partnership, Jianguo Zhang, senior vice president of ZTE says,
Intel technologies power the cloud and billions of smart, connected computing devices, so we are very pleased to be partners in the field of 5G and our deep cooperation will support our two companies’ long-term development. As a leading communication equipment and solutions provider, 5G is part of ZTE’s core strategy and it is dedicated to the R&D of virtualisation technologies.
Usually, telecom carriers are known to expand scale and functions of their mobile networks by adding new hardware. But, this leads to an increase in energy consumption as well as operational cost and complexity. This will hinder the long-term development as well as evolution of the mobile network and ZTE wants to fix just that with its 5G IT BBU solution. It will help you virtualize the functions of the network equipment, thus, delivering a simpler, more flexible and open network to telecom carriers.
Further, Sandra Rivera, corporateVP of Intel Corporation and GM of the Network Platforms Group says,
Our goal with ZTE is to accelerate commercial, cloud-ready 5G network solutions. By using the latest Intel architecture processors at the intelligent edge, ZTE has demonstrated that this network transformation can be realized for 5G networks requirements, including ultra-low latency, very high bandwidth and expanded capacity.
Thus, with the addition of next-generation network technologies, this virtualisation platform built by ZTE and Intel will definitely help telecom carriers scale their networks without any additional costs involved. The Chinese giant is also leading on the hardware front, as it has shown off the very first Gigabit phone at MWC as well. This device is capable of achieving download speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
