ZTE Showcases Industry’s First SDR Base Station at GSMA Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2008

12 February 2008, Shenzhen, China – ZTE, a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions has launched the ZXGW B8036 SDR (Software Defined Radio) base station. The ZXGW B8036, the world’s first pre-commercial SDR base station, supports GSM and WCDMA simultaneously within software rather than requiring separate hardware components like current base stations as well as providing LTE readiness and a smooth evolution path. It can significantly lower network infrastructure costs for operators, while improving network integrity, continuity and stability.

SDR can tune to different frequency bands and receive any modulation across a large frequency spectrum by using software to process digitised signals.  With SDR technology, mobile operators will be able to extend the lifespan of their network systems, hence decreasing TCO (total cost of ownership) and significantly lowering investment risks.  In addition, the ZTE SDR base station is built on an innovative MicroTCA platform that offers additional savings compared to a traditional design; its modular and scalable architecture allows flexible network design capabilities thus reducing CAPEX AND OPEX for operators. The technology, which runs radio functionality as software modules on an integrated and unified hardware platform, also enables operators to easily roll-out new mobile services and features. 

“Integrating key functions into one unified solution is a critical trend in mobile networks today,” said Fang Hui, ZTE’s General Manager, WCDMA Products.  “With ZTE’s SDR technology, we take pride in introducing a new breakthrough in base station development for all waveforms.  The ZXGW B8036 can also be designed to support CDMA and WiMAX in the future, and so meets telecom operators´ demands for a solution for network integration and smooth LTE evolution, which we expect to help them increase competitive advantage and add on new features.”

ZTE has been spending significant R&D investment on 2G/3G integrated networks, allowing the company to launch several solutions ranging from business platform, core networks and access networks to terminals, as well as comprehensive and versatile end-to-end infrastructure technologies.  Its unified core network, HLR, dual-mode BBU/RRUs are widely deployed globally, while PLMN, NMP and 2G/3G interoperable technologies have been implemented in more than 20 countries in Western Europe, South Asia and Africa. 

ZTE has consistently demonstrated a commitment to contribute to the rapid development of WCDMA, clinching numerous network infrastructure contracts with operators from Eastern Europe, Western Europe, South Asia and Africa.  Today, ZTE’s WCDMA network solutions are deployed across more than 30 countries, including Libya, U.K., Estonia and Nepal.

ZTE is exhibiting at Hall 8, stand B127.