Using ZTE's latest 64-port/128-port 3D/MIMO massive antenna base station, with significantly higher PSDCH (Physical Shared Downlink Channel) beamforming gain, the test shows excellent coverage improvement for tall buildings, with enhanced indoor reception. This demonstrates the superiority of the new technology over existing smart antennas in urban, indoor, and open rural areas.
ZTE's new solution is enabled by the company's high-performance vector processor SoC chipset, and brings massive 3D/MIMO, a key technology for 5G, close to commercial reality.
ZTE's Wireless Division CTO, Dr. Xiang Jiying, noted that, “With the number of antennas being ten times greater, massive 3D/MIMO seemed like a distant dream. However, the test indicates that we are taking a major step forward in launching the new technology using 4G phones. This is the result of a series of innovations and is in line with the 5G concept previously proposed by ZTE. We will continue to pursue pre-5G features to deliver a 5G-like experience before 5G standardization.”.
Huang Yuhong, Vice President of China Mobile's Research Institute, said, “The pre-commercial field test of ZTE's massive 3D/MIMO was impressive and exceeded our expectations. This will undoubtedly accelerate the path to qualification and commercial deployment, and boost sales of DDT (time-division duplex) technology. China Mobile will continue to strengthen our partnership with ZTE in the development of massive 3D/MIMO and other 5G technologies.”.
Dr. Liu Guangyi of the China Mobile Research Institute, who participated in the test, said, “This test reinforces our confidence in the advancement of massive 3D/MIMO ahead of schedule. Furthermore, after the test, we also discovered new scenarios for massive 3D/MIMO.”
Massive 3D/MIMO, utilizing multi-antenna technology, exponentially improves wireless spectrum efficiency, increases network coverage and system capacity, and helps telecom operators maximize the use of existing site locations and spectrum resources. Simulations indicate that throughput can be four to six times greater. ZTE attaches great importance to 5G product research and development and has achieved cutting-edge developments in a number of key technologies. Specifically, ZTE has achieved excellent performance in 4G-5G compatibility, product commercialization, antenna design, engineering ease, and system performance. Massive 3D/MIMO not only supports China Mobile's main 4G frequency bands but is also compatible with existing commercial terminals.

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