AIS and ZTE complete a trial of D3-ELAA, bringing 6G technology to 5G advanced network

• AIS and ZTE complete the D³-ELAA trial in Thailand, leading a paradigm shift of delivering quality 5G services from cell-centric to user-centric
• D³-ELAA ensures a zero-variation user experience during mobility, and facilitates the expansion of new values in 5G

Bangkok, Thailand, 13 November 2024 – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, in collaboration with Thailand's top mobile operator AIS, has successfully completed the trial of the Dynamic Distributed and Deterministic Extremely Large Antenna Array (D³-ELAA).

D³-ELAA introduces the 6G concept of cell-free into 5G commercial networks, enhancing cells collaboration with a user-centric approach to dramatically reduce user experience degradation at cell edges and enabling users to acquire a uniform experience. The trial results demonstrated that D³-ELAA can improve the user experience at the cell edge by more than seven times and ensure consistent and stable user experience during mobility.

This breakthrough marks a key milestone for AIS in transitioning from a "cell-centric" to a "user-centric" service paradigm, paving the way for further exploration of 6G technologies.

AIS has already built a high-quality 5G network. To better meet the diverse needs of its users, require more stable and consistent service performance, presenting new challenges for the 5G network. The network must not only unlock its full potential and reinforce resilience and stability, but also transition from a traditional service assurance model based on service types to a more refined, user-centric approach.

AIS and ZTE jointly complete D³-ELAA trial

In light of this, AIS, in partnership with ZTE, conducted an innovative trial of D³-ELAA technology at Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand. D³-ELAA dynamically forms an extremely large antenna array with distributed base stations, delivering user-centric, deterministic service assurance. The trial results were impressive: overall, user experience during mobility improved by approximately 2.3 times, while performance at the cell edge increased by more than seven times. This ensures a smooth, high-bandwidth user experience for applications such as cloud gaming and high-definition video streaming, without lag or interruptions during movement. Additionally, D³-ELAA can be rapidly deployed on existing 5G infrastructure without the need for terminal upgrades or replacements, enabling current network users to quickly benefit from the enhanced services provided by this technology upgrade.

As 5G-A technology continues to advance and its applications expand, AIS will maintain its partnership with ZTE to drive technological innovation and service optimization, contributing to the development of the global digital economy.