The solution was released in October and Huawei says it is the ideal solution to improve both network performance and energy efficiency using innovative hardware and software.
MetaAAU introduces a large antenna array that enables 384 antenna elements – double that of a conventional AAU which enables 192. For software, MetaAAU uses Adaptive High Resolution (AHR) Turbo algorithm to allow precise and targeted beamforming.
China Unicom has already deployed MetaAAU in its live 5G network in Beijing. MetaAAU improves coverage by 3dB 6dB and user experience metrics by 30% and 60% respectively.
In one of its flagship projects, 5G Capital, China Unicom Beijing is using MetaAAU to add 30% in both uplink and downlink coverage along with a 25% better experience among cell edge users.
Huawei says that MetaAAU is also a powerful energy efficiency tool. The vendor says it allows base stations to achieve the same level of coverage for cell-edge users but with a lower transmit power, reducing energy consumption by approximately 30% over conventional AAUs.
The operator adds that MetaAAU should be a key part of the innovation portfolio for future ICT companies given that 26 CEOs of European ICT firms have committed to combatting climate change with the European Green Digital Coalition (EGDC).
