Info Image

SoftBank, ZTE Hit 956 Mbps in Massive MIMO Trial on Commercial Network

SoftBank, ZTE Hit 956 Mbps in Massive MIMO Trial on Commercial Network Image Credit: ZTE (for illustrative purposes only)

SoftBank in partnership with ZTE has successfully verified the 24-stream space division multiplexing technology by using Pre5G TDD Massive MIMO 2.0 on its commercial network in Nagasaki, Japan.

The latest trial follows ZTE agreement with SoftBank to trial 5G over sub-6GHz spectrum at 4.5GHz across Tokyo, where ZTE will provide 5G end-to-end network solutions to verify the performance of 5G technologies under real world conditions.

During the trial, 24 terminals downloaded FTP data simultaneously at a rate of 956 Mbps on a 20MHz bandwidth. This is the first trial on a commercial network after ZTE's Pre5G TDD Massive MIMO achieved the rate of 1.1Gbps in the 24-stream field test in Shenzhen, China. 

Through the core space division multiplexing technology, the new-generation Pre5G TDD Massive MIMO ensures that each user exclusively occupies 20MHz spectrum resources on a single carrier. During the trial over the commercial network, the average user data rate reaches 40Mbps or above, and the cell spectrum efficiency is improved by 7.7 times compared with that of traditional LTE cells, claims ZTE.

Therefore, on the aspects of cell throughput and single-user experience, the performance of Pre5G Massive MIMO is far superior to that of traditional LTE networks, laying a solid foundation for coping with the rapid increase of traffic in the future and smooth evolution to 5G networks.

Meanwhile, SoftBank became ZTE's first pilot partner in the Smart Life project. The two parties carried out innovative research and development on the improvement of spectrum efficiency, 4G/5G network integration, mobile bandwidth, IoT, and Internet of Vehicles.

In the first phase, both parties improved service experience by applying 5G technologies in the 4G network and increasing spectrum efficiency. The 24-stream field verification by using Massive MIMO in the commercial network is a core function solution first achieved in the first phase.

Noda, Director of Network Department, Softbank
ZTE is the first partner to support Massive MIMO 24 streams in the commercial network at a throughput of close to 956 Mbps on a single carrier. We will work together to build a network that makes the future life of SoftBank's users smarter and more intelligent.

Bai Yanmin, GM of ZTE's TDD and 5G Products 
In the next 3 to 5 years before and after 5G commercialization, we will make cooperative planning and joint verification with operators to provide technical solutions and support for user experience services in the 5G/Pre5G network, such as mobile bandwidth, IoT, and ultra-low latency. 

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

PREVIOUS POST

India's Idea Cellular Deploys Nokia's OTN Gears to Cater for Massive Data Growth

NEXT POST

Syniverse APIs to Add Messaging to Listrak’s Cross-Channel Offerings