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ข่าวบริษัท เกี่ยวกับ 6G Preview: Will BBU/RRU Disappear in the Future?

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6G Preview: Will BBU/RRU Disappear in the Future?

2025-11-08

Introduction

As the world moves toward the next generation of wireless communication—6G—the fundamental architecture of current 5G networks, including the Baseband Unit (BBU) and Remote Radio Unit (RRU), is being re-evaluated. In 4G and 5G networks, the BBU handles baseband signal processing (such as encoding, modulation, and decoding), while the RRU converts these signals into radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission over the air. This split architecture has enabled flexible deployment, but with 6G promising unprecedented speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity, the question arises: Will the BBU and RRU disappear in the 6G era?

The Role of BBU and RRU in Current Networks

In 5G networks, the BBU​ is typically located at a centralized location (such as a base station or data center), performing complex digital signal processing (DSP). The RRU, on the other hand, is deployed closer to the end-user (often on cell towers or rooftops), converting baseband signals into RF signals and vice versa. These two components are connected via a high-speed fiber link (known as fronthaul), ensuring efficient signal transmission.
This Distributed Radio Access Network (D-RAN)​ or Centralized-RAN (C-RAN)​ architecture has been effective for 4G and 5G, but it comes with challenges:
  • High latency​ in fronthaul connections
  • Complex deployment​ due to separate BBU and RRU units
  • Energy inefficiency​ due to redundant hardware

How 6G Might Eliminate or Transform BBU/RRU

1. Convergence of BBU and RRU (Integrated Radio Units)

One of the most likely scenarios is the merger of BBU and RRU functions into a single unit. With advancements in System-on-Chip (SoC)​ and AI-driven signal processing, future 6G base stations may integrate baseband and RF processing into a compact, energy-efficient device. This would eliminate the need for separate BBU and RRU units, reducing hardware complexity and improving deployment flexibility.
Some early 6G prototypes already explore "All-in-One" radio units​ that combine digital and analog processing, reducing reliance on traditional BBU-RRU separation.

2. Fully Distributed and Virtualized Networks (Open RAN & O-RAN)

6G is expected to leverage Open RAN (O-RAN)​ and Network Function Virtualization (NFV), where network functions are software-defined​ rather than hardware-dependent. Instead of relying on dedicated BBU and RRU hardware, 6G networks could run baseband processing on general-purpose servers​ or edge computing nodes, while RF functions are handled by software-defined radios (SDRs).
This means:
  • BBU functions (baseband processing) can be virtualized​ and run on cloud servers or edge nodes.
  • RRU functions (RF processing) can be embedded in small, intelligent transceivers​ that communicate directly with the core network.
As a result, the traditional fixed BBU-RRU architecture may dissolve, replaced by a more fluid, software-driven model.

3. Intelligent and Self-Optimizing Networks (AI-Native 6G)

6G will be AI-native, meaning that network functions will be dynamically optimized by machine learning algorithms. Instead of relying on a centralized BBU to manage all signal processing, AI-driven edge nodes​ could handle real-time adjustments, making the rigid BBU-RRU split unnecessary.
  • Beamforming and MIMO optimization​ could be done locally by smart antennas.
  • Dynamic spectrum sharing​ could be managed without a centralized BBU.
  • Edge AI​ could enable real-time decision-making, reducing the need for a fixed BBU.

4. Terahertz (THz) and Optical Wireless Communications

6G may also introduce Terahertz (THz) frequencies​ and optical wireless communication (Li-Fi), which require entirely new signal processing methods. Traditional BBUs and RRUs may not be optimized for these technologies, leading to new types of transceivers​ that do not fit the old BBU-RRU model.

Conclusion: Will BBU/RRU Disappear Completely?

While the traditional, standalone BBU and RRU may not exist in their current form in 6G, their core functions (baseband and RF processing) will still be essential. However, they will likely be:
  • Highly integrated​ into single devices or virtualized in the cloud.
  • Replaced by software-defined and AI-driven alternatives.
  • Embedded in smarter, more autonomous network nodes.
In other words, the BBU and RRU as we know them may "disappear" as separate entities, but their functionalities will evolve into a more advanced, decentralized, and intelligent form. The future of 6G networking will be more flexible, energy-efficient, and software-driven, making the traditional BBU-RRU architecture obsolete—but their legacy will live on in new, transformative ways.
Thus, rather than vanishing entirely, the BBU and RRU will transform beyond recognition, becoming integral parts of a next-generation, AI-native, and fully virtualized 6G ecosystem.
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ข่าวบริษัท เกี่ยวกับ-6G Preview: Will BBU/RRU Disappear in the Future?

6G Preview: Will BBU/RRU Disappear in the Future?

2025-11-08

Introduction

As the world moves toward the next generation of wireless communication—6G—the fundamental architecture of current 5G networks, including the Baseband Unit (BBU) and Remote Radio Unit (RRU), is being re-evaluated. In 4G and 5G networks, the BBU handles baseband signal processing (such as encoding, modulation, and decoding), while the RRU converts these signals into radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission over the air. This split architecture has enabled flexible deployment, but with 6G promising unprecedented speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity, the question arises: Will the BBU and RRU disappear in the 6G era?

The Role of BBU and RRU in Current Networks

In 5G networks, the BBU​ is typically located at a centralized location (such as a base station or data center), performing complex digital signal processing (DSP). The RRU, on the other hand, is deployed closer to the end-user (often on cell towers or rooftops), converting baseband signals into RF signals and vice versa. These two components are connected via a high-speed fiber link (known as fronthaul), ensuring efficient signal transmission.
This Distributed Radio Access Network (D-RAN)​ or Centralized-RAN (C-RAN)​ architecture has been effective for 4G and 5G, but it comes with challenges:
  • High latency​ in fronthaul connections
  • Complex deployment​ due to separate BBU and RRU units
  • Energy inefficiency​ due to redundant hardware

How 6G Might Eliminate or Transform BBU/RRU

1. Convergence of BBU and RRU (Integrated Radio Units)

One of the most likely scenarios is the merger of BBU and RRU functions into a single unit. With advancements in System-on-Chip (SoC)​ and AI-driven signal processing, future 6G base stations may integrate baseband and RF processing into a compact, energy-efficient device. This would eliminate the need for separate BBU and RRU units, reducing hardware complexity and improving deployment flexibility.
Some early 6G prototypes already explore "All-in-One" radio units​ that combine digital and analog processing, reducing reliance on traditional BBU-RRU separation.

2. Fully Distributed and Virtualized Networks (Open RAN & O-RAN)

6G is expected to leverage Open RAN (O-RAN)​ and Network Function Virtualization (NFV), where network functions are software-defined​ rather than hardware-dependent. Instead of relying on dedicated BBU and RRU hardware, 6G networks could run baseband processing on general-purpose servers​ or edge computing nodes, while RF functions are handled by software-defined radios (SDRs).
This means:
  • BBU functions (baseband processing) can be virtualized​ and run on cloud servers or edge nodes.
  • RRU functions (RF processing) can be embedded in small, intelligent transceivers​ that communicate directly with the core network.
As a result, the traditional fixed BBU-RRU architecture may dissolve, replaced by a more fluid, software-driven model.

3. Intelligent and Self-Optimizing Networks (AI-Native 6G)

6G will be AI-native, meaning that network functions will be dynamically optimized by machine learning algorithms. Instead of relying on a centralized BBU to manage all signal processing, AI-driven edge nodes​ could handle real-time adjustments, making the rigid BBU-RRU split unnecessary.
  • Beamforming and MIMO optimization​ could be done locally by smart antennas.
  • Dynamic spectrum sharing​ could be managed without a centralized BBU.
  • Edge AI​ could enable real-time decision-making, reducing the need for a fixed BBU.

4. Terahertz (THz) and Optical Wireless Communications

6G may also introduce Terahertz (THz) frequencies​ and optical wireless communication (Li-Fi), which require entirely new signal processing methods. Traditional BBUs and RRUs may not be optimized for these technologies, leading to new types of transceivers​ that do not fit the old BBU-RRU model.

Conclusion: Will BBU/RRU Disappear Completely?

While the traditional, standalone BBU and RRU may not exist in their current form in 6G, their core functions (baseband and RF processing) will still be essential. However, they will likely be:
  • Highly integrated​ into single devices or virtualized in the cloud.
  • Replaced by software-defined and AI-driven alternatives.
  • Embedded in smarter, more autonomous network nodes.
In other words, the BBU and RRU as we know them may "disappear" as separate entities, but their functionalities will evolve into a more advanced, decentralized, and intelligent form. The future of 6G networking will be more flexible, energy-efficient, and software-driven, making the traditional BBU-RRU architecture obsolete—but their legacy will live on in new, transformative ways.
Thus, rather than vanishing entirely, the BBU and RRU will transform beyond recognition, becoming integral parts of a next-generation, AI-native, and fully virtualized 6G ecosystem.