AAU (Active Antenna Unit)

In the MBB (Mobile Broadband) era, the astonishing growth in data traffic carrie
d by mobile broadband systems brought on by the integration of video, social net
working and the overwhelming acceptance of mobile terminals puts severe pressure
on existing mobile networks.
In order to meet the expected requirements of massive data traffic and mobile br
oadband, operators will be compelled to deploy a cellular system with a wider ba
nd in order to provide a better user experience. This requires the improvement o
f coverage and capacity, and a mobile broadband network that can be experienced
anywhere at any anytime.
Mobile network started from a macro site, and then evolved to a DBS (Distributed
Base Station) which saves feeder loss and improves coverage. However, in respon
se to the mobile network in the MBB era, various challenges still exist:
Firstly, due to the co-existence of 2G, 3G and 4G, multi bands are introduced. E
xisting site is too complex; limited space for extension. New site acquisition i
s difficult; residents protest against potential radiation scare.
Secondly, technologies such as mTmR (high order MIMO), 3D Beamforming, SDB (Soft
ware Defined Band) are hard to realize using traditional solutions.
Thirdly, network construction is still not fast and flexible enough to quickly s
atisfy user requirement and enhance user loyalty.
Designed to solve these problems, Huawei AAU is an active antenna system which i
ntegrates both the radio and antenna system, simplifies the site, speeds up site
construction and prepares for the evolution towards the future.
Features
The Huawei AAU family includes: AAU3911/AAU3910, AAU3902, AAU3920, and AAU3940,
which can provide corresponding solutions to operators according to network requ
irements. The figure below shows the Huawei AAU family.
AAU391X Series (Including AAU3910 and AAU3911)
AAU 391X series supports multiple bands and modes simultaneously. It can effecti
vely solve the problem of limited site space, and is able to simplify the feeder
and antenna system.
AAU 3910 serves for high frequency band (1.8GHz/2.1GHz/ 2.6GHz/AWS/PCS) scenario
s, while AAU 3911 serves for both high and low frequency (700~900 MHz) scenarios
.
AAU3902
AAU 3902 is the first product that can support Beamforming in the industry. With
accurate signal beam, network coverage and capacity can be greatly improved.
AAU3920
AAU3920 supports ultra wideband, and SDB (Software Define Band) is employed in o
rder to adjust the frequency and modes by software. It allows operators to plan
out a more long term evolution strategy. Following the rule of user migration, i
t can flexibly allocate radio frequency resources remotely. No site visits are n
eeded, effectively saving TCO
AAU3940(Easy MacroTM)

AAU3940 has cylindrical design which is environmentally friendly. Its compact si

ze can deliver an astoundingly large output power as a macro site. It can be ins
talled on a lamp pole, or directly on a wall, greatly reducing the difficulties
of site acquisition, and improving the efficiency of network deployment.
Applications & Benefits
Simplified site
AAU seamlessly and efficiently integrates the radio and antenna systems. One AAU
supports one sector s radio and antenna system, reducing the number of equipment
required, simplifying and leaving the site less cluttered.
AAU supports every series of the main stream spectrum, and is one of the best so
lutions supporting 5 bands and 3 modes simultaneously.
AAU integrates multiple ports with the antenna, making mTmR deployment much easi
er.
AAU deployment is incredibly flexible. Easy MacroTM is small (150mm*750mm) and l
ight (15kg), and also environmentally friendly.
Fast deployment
AAU moves the radio unit upward, requiring neither feeder nor jumper, saving on
installation time.
The highly integrated AAU also simplifies packing and installation, which greatl
y saves transportation time and network deployment.
Improve network performance
AAU supports 4RX technology; and since the radio unit is moved upward, feeder lo
ss is saved. Both of them improve network coverage and capacity, especially indo
or coverage.
AAU supports Beamforming technology, improving network capacity and user experie
nce.
AAU will develop itself towards the evolution of Massive MIMO and 3D Beamforming
, continuously improving network performance.