This 5G network slice prototype system is based upon 5G network function componentisation, requirements-based orchestration and customisation. It creates dynamic 5G application scenario network slices via a visible orchestration environment, including mobile broadband (xMBB), internet of things (IoT), mobile edge computing (MEC) and more. At Mobile World Congress, the technology demonstrates the Intel RSA-based access node/edge node/core node hardware prototype, quickly building real mobile broadband and mobile edge computing (MEC) 5G slice applications via a visible network slice orchestration system. This joint demonstration not only enables visitors to experience the technology at close range, but also promotes maturity of the industry.
5G network service slice deployment enables the future network to become more flexible, economic and highly-efficient. It can adapt to the requirements of multi-system, variable scenarios and business modes, which better support the future of digital mobile.
ZTE's ongoing research and exploration in terms of visualisation/5G fields includes the development of related tests with global Tier 1 operators and partners. These tests have received a lot of active feedback and demonstrate the high performance level achieved by ZTE's virtualisation/5G solutions. Currently, ZTE has virtualised core network deployments at 12 commercial offices and 32 office test sites.
ZTE and China Mobile have also officially announced their latest 5G high-frequency prototype and demonstrated 10 Gbps+ high bitrate, beam-tracking, and other key 5G technologies.
High-frequency communication is a critical area of technology in 5G. This ZTE-developed prototype operates on a 15 GHz carrier with a bandwidth of 500 MB and boasts a hardware structure of a large-capacity baseband unit (BBU) and an intelligent remote radio unit (RRU). Its high-frequency, ultra-wideband and compact design optimises performance and provides a multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) peak bitrate as high as 10 Gbps+. It also uses beamforming technology so that mobile terminals can be tracked by multiple beams rapidly and adaptively to achieve 3D coverage in all directions and adapt to different user applications.
The prototype is designed for the commercial use of 5G, which will cover a wide range of the spectrum from low bands to high bands, hence making the air interface design more complicated. ZTE's 5G high-frequency prototype can make this easier and more efficient by integrating large-scale antenna arrays, standardising the air interface design, and using Mobile Broadband (MBB) to support diversified 5G services.
"As the enabler of M-ICT, ZTE is willing to go hand in hand with operators to empower the world with technology. Our mantra is - 'Tomorrow Never Waits!'" said Mr. Xu Huijun, CTO of ZTE.
