ZTE has announced the launch of what the vendor is calling a total pre5G solution designed to allow existing 4G subscribers to experience 5G-like services.
The solution combines 5G enabling technologies and architectures including pre5G massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and 4×4 MIMO.
The pre5G portfolio also includes ZTE’s Cloud ServCore, a cloud native NFV-based 5G network functions management solution and its Cloud RAN product.
In addition, 5G-oriented service applications including high data rate services such as ultra HD and virtual reality streaming and massive IoT applications based on narrowband IoT and enhanced machine-type communications (eMTC).
Announcing the new offering, ZTE said 4G is expected to continue to dominate the market for up to a decade even as 5G deployments get underway. As a result, 4G network evolution and 5G rollouts will continue in tandem, so pre5G configurations will likely co-exist with full 5G deployments.
The company said its pre5G related products and solutions have so far been deployed in more than 60 networks across more than 40 countries, including China, Japan, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.