China Unicom Shangdong and ZTE collaborate to create a benchmark of 5G+AI differentiated service guarantee innovation for campuses

Intelligent 5G+AI capabilities deliver over 20% improvement in video, gaming, and live-class experiences

Partner Content With the advent of the digital economy era, user demands for network experience are evolving towards greater depth and breadth, placing higher requirements on network capabilities. University campuses represent typical high-density scenarios, commonly facing challenges such as tidal traffic patterns and homogenized service experiences. Achieving a breakthrough through collaborative innovation, China Unicom Shangdong and ZTE have implemented the "5G+AI Differentiated Service Guarantee Innovation for Campuses" project at Shandong Qilu Medical College. This project utilizes AI-native Base Stations, embedding an endogenous AI module—the AIREngine (AI Board)—into the 5G network. This transforms traditional 5G base stations into "intelligent base stations", employing end-to-end AI technology for service identification and precise assurance, thereby enhancing the service efficiency and user satisfaction of the campus 5G network.

This solution uses the AI-native Base Station as intelligent foundation. Based on DRA (Deep Recognition and Analysis), it collects, labels, and trains service characteristics to build a dynamically updated service model library, capable of identifying over 16,000 types of services, including short videos, gaming, and live streaming. For the identified services, the AI-native Base Station formulates assurance strategies through AI-customized Type definitions, enabling precise, differentiated service assurance tailored to different times (e.g., during classes, meals, night hours) and different areas (e.g., teaching buildings, dining hall, dormitories).

This solution has yielded significant results in empowering user experience, achieving precise optimization and assurance for the tidal network of campus: the effective download rate for short videos in the student canteen area increased by 27.99%; the downlink delay for real-time competitive games in the dormitory area improved by 27.44%; and the live course streaming rate in the teaching building area rose by 22.09%. Consequently, user perception for TOP services like online video, live courses, and gaming improved by over 20%. Teachers and students reported that "even during peak hours, the network doesn't lag, and the experience is much more stable than before". Since its commercial deployment one year ago, customer satisfaction has significantly increased, and the complaints regarding stuttering and delay essentially eliminated.

This collaboration sets a new benchmark for the upgrade of 5G network service. Looking ahead, China Unicom Shangdong will continue to deepen its cooperation with ZTE to strengthen the "Technology-Experience-Value" business closed loop. They aim to mature this innovative solution and promote its application to other high-density, high-value scenarios such as shopping malls, scenic spots, and stadiums, providing a replicable innovation model for the industry's digital and intelligent transformation.

Contributed by ZTE.