The Huawei RRU5301 and RRU5304w are both 4T4R remote radio units from Huawei’s 5300 series, and both are widely deployed on the 2600 MHz band (Band 7). The short answer: the RRU5301 is the earlier, lower-power LTE FDD radio (4 x 40 W on 2600 MHz), while the RRU5304w is a higher-power unit (4 x 60 W) that comes in 700 MHz and 2600 MHz versions and supports NR FDD on later SRAN software. If you are planning a 4×4 MIMO LTE layer, either can work; if you need more output power, a 700 MHz layer or a path to 5G NR FDD, the RRU5304w is usually the better fit.
This guide compares the two radios band by band, explains the part numbers you will see on the labels, and lists what to check before buying used units.
Quick comparison: RRU5301 vs RRU5304w
| Item | Huawei RRU5301 | Huawei RRU5304w |
|---|---|---|
| TX/RX configuration | 4T4R (2600 MHz and 800 MHz versions); 1400 MHz version is 4T0R (downlink only) | 4T4R |
| Band variants | 800 MHz, 1400 MHz, 2600 MHz | 700 MHz (Band 28/n28), 2600 MHz (Band 7/n7) |
| Maximum output power | 4 x 40 W (2600 MHz) | 4 x 60 W |
| LTE FDD capacity | Up to 3 carriers (5/10/15/20 MHz each) | 3 LTE FDD carriers (5/10/15/20 MHz each) |
| 5G NR | Documented mainly as an LTE FDD radio; check your software release | NR FDD on 2600 MHz; on 700 MHz, NR SUL from SRAN15.1 and NR FDD from SRAN16.0 |
| Instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) | 60 MHz (2600), 40 MHz (1400), 20 MHz (800) | Per variant, see Huawei RRU5304w description |
| Typical BOM codes | 02311PFF (2600 MHz) | 02312GCS (2600 MHz), 02312RXX (700 MHz) |
| Extra features | RET antenna support | PIM cancellation (gain up to 15 dB), RET support |
What is the Huawei RRU5301?
The RRU5301 is a multimode remote radio unit built on Huawei’s software-defined radio (SDR) platform. Huawei’s technical specifications describe it as a remote radio unit for LTE FDD supporting up to three carriers, each 5, 10, 15 or 20 MHz wide.
It was offered in three band versions:
- RRU5301 (2600 MHz): RX 2500–2570 MHz, TX 2620–2690 MHz, 4T4R, 60 MHz IBW, 4 x 40 W maximum output. This is the version most commonly found on the used market, usually under BOM code 02311PFF.
- RRU5301 (800 MHz): RX 832–862 MHz, TX 791–821 MHz, 20 MHz IBW, used for LTE FDD coverage layers.
- RRU5301 (1400 MHz): TX 1452–1492 MHz only, 4T0R. This is a supplemental downlink (SDL) radio with no receive path, used to add downlink capacity in the L-band.
For the 2600 MHz version, Huawei lists receiver sensitivity for LTE FDD of -106.3 dBm with one antenna, -109.1 dBm with two and -111.8 dBm with four. In practice the RRU5301 is a solid choice for adding a 4×4 MIMO LTE capacity layer on Band 7 where 40 W per path is enough.
What is the Huawei RRU5304w?
The RRU5304w is an outdoor remote radio unit powered from a power cabinet. Huawei documents it in the same hardware description as the RRU5904, RRU5904w and RRU5304, which places it in the newer generation of 4T4R radios used with BBU5900-era networks.
Two versions are common:
- RRU5304w (2600 MHz): Band 7/n7, TX 2620–2690 MHz, RX 2500–2570 MHz, 4T4R, 4 x 60 W. Huawei lists 3 LTE FDD carriers or NR FDD operation. BOM code 02312GCS.
- RRU5304w (700 MHz): Band 28/n28, 4T4R, 4 x 60 W, 3 LTE FDD carriers plus NB-IoT support. From SRAN15.1 it supports NB-IoT multi-carrier and NR SUL (uplink-only NR through UL/DL decoupling), and from SRAN16.0 it can run full NR FDD. BOM code 02312RXX.
The RRU5304w also includes passive intermodulation (PIM) cancellation with a maximum gain of up to 15 dB, which helps on sites with older antennas, jumpers or nearby metal structures that generate PIM.
Key differences explained
1. Output power
The biggest practical difference is power: 4 x 40 W on the RRU5301 (2600 MHz) against 4 x 60 W on the RRU5304w. The extra 20 W per path matters for wider carriers, for sites that need deeper indoor penetration, and when the radio is shared between LTE and NR.
2. Band options
Both radios have a 2600 MHz version, so for Band 7 projects they overlap directly. Outside that band they diverge: the RRU5301 covers 800 MHz and the 1400 MHz SDL band, while the RRU5304w covers 700 MHz (Band 28). Make sure the band printed on the label matches your licensed spectrum, because band variants are not interchangeable.
3. 5G readiness
The RRU5304w is the stronger choice if you plan to move to 5G NR FDD on the same hardware, since Huawei documents NR FDD support for it on newer SRAN releases. The RRU5301 is primarily an LTE FDD radio. If NR is part of your plan, confirm mode support against the SRAN version running on your network before ordering.
4. Generation and baseband pairing
Both units connect to the BBU over CPRI and work in Huawei SingleRAN distributed base stations. The RRU5304w belongs to the same generation as the RRU5904 and is typically paired with a Huawei BBU5900 and current UMPT/UBBP boards. Board choice and software version decide the actual supported modes and carrier counts, so check your baseband configuration as well as the radio.
Reading the labels and part numbers
When identifying used units, look at three things on the label: the model name (RRU5301 or RRU5304w), the BOM code (for example 02311PFF, 02312GCS or 02312RXX) and the frequency range printed in the description. The BOM code is the most reliable way to tell band variants apart, because the model name alone does not show whether a unit is 700 MHz or 2600 MHz. Our earlier guide on Huawei BOM codes and serial numbers explains the label format in more detail.
Buying used RRU5301 or RRU5304w units: what to check
- Band and BOM code: confirm the TX/RX range matches your network.
- Connectors: inspect RF ports, CPRI optical ports and the power connector for damage or corrosion.
- Software compatibility: confirm your SRAN release supports the radio and the mode you need (LTE FDD, NB-IoT, NR SUL or NR FDD).
- Test results: ask for functional test and VSWR results rather than visual inspection only.
- Accessories: check whether mounting kits and housings are included, as these are often removed during decommissioning.
For a step-by-step test procedure, see our checklist for testing used Huawei RRUs. If you are comparing other 4T4R options, our RRU5904 vs RRU3971 comparison covers the 1800/2100 MHz radios.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Huawei RRU5301 if you need a cost-effective 4T4R LTE FDD radio for Band 7, 800 MHz or 1400 MHz SDL, and 40 W per path covers your link budget. Choose the Huawei RRU5304w if you need higher output power, a 700 MHz 4T4R layer, PIM cancellation or a path to NR FDD on newer software. You can browse all Huawei radios and baseband units in our Huawei product category.
FAQ
Are the RRU5301 and RRU5304w both 4T4R?
Yes, the 2600 MHz and 800 MHz RRU5301 and both RRU5304w versions are 4T4R. The exception is the RRU5301 1400 MHz version, which is 4T0R because it is a downlink-only (SDL) radio.
Can an RRU5304w replace an RRU5301 on Band 7?
In most cases the 2600 MHz RRU5304w can take the same role, with higher output power. Confirm that your BBU boards and SRAN software support the RRU5304w before swapping.
Does the RRU5304w support 5G?
Huawei documents NR FDD support for the 2600 MHz version, and for the 700 MHz version NR SUL from SRAN15.1 and NR FDD from SRAN16.0.
How do I tell a 700 MHz RRU5304w from a 2600 MHz one?
Check the BOM code and frequency range on the label: 02312RXX is the 700 MHz version and 02312GCS is the 2600 MHz version.
Buy tested Huawei RRUs
Every unit we sell is functionally tested and VSWR tested before shipment, comes with a 90-day warranty, and is shipped worldwide in secure packaging. For availability of the RRU5301, RRU5304w or other Huawei radios, contact us on WhatsApp at +86 187 3329 4669 / +86 139 3088 8705, email jack@telecombts.com, or use the form at https://telecombts.com/contact-us/.