The Huawei RRU5502 is a dual-band 4T4R remote radio unit that covers the 1800 MHz (Band 3) and 2100 MHz (Band 1) bands in a single outdoor enclosure. One RRU5502 can replace two single-band radios on a sector, run GSM, UMTS, LTE FDD and NB-IoT in multimode configurations, and connect to a Huawei BBU over two CPRI ports at up to 9.8 Gbit/s. This guide summarises the key specifications from Huawei’s RRU5502 hardware description, explains where the unit fits, and lists what to check when buying a used one.
What the RRU5502 is designed for
Huawei’s 5500 series RRUs are multi-band radios: instead of mounting one radio per band, the operator mounts one box that transmits on two bands through shared antenna ports. The RRU5502 is the 1800 + 2100 MHz member of that family, which makes it a natural fit for operators that run LTE on Band 3 and UMTS or LTE on Band 1 and want to add 4×4 MIMO without doubling the number of radios on the tower.
Typical reasons operators deploy or source the RRU5502:
- Band consolidation: replacing two single-band RRUs (for example two RRU5904 1800 and RRU5904 2100 units) with one dual-band unit per sector.
- Lower tower load: fewer radios means fewer brackets, power cables and fibres, which helps on rented or structurally limited towers.
- 4T4R on both bands: 4×4 MIMO on LTE 1800 and 2100 from one unit.
- 2100 MHz refarming: running UMTS and LTE together on Band 1 while UMTS traffic declines.
- Spares for existing networks: keeping the same model in stock for operators that already run RRU5502 sectors.
Huawei RRU5502 key specifications
The table below lists specifications taken from the Huawei RRU5502 hardware description. Output power and the exact carrier mix depend on the working mode and licence configuration, so check the description for your software release before planning a site.
| Item | RRU5502 (1800 + 2100 MHz) |
|---|---|
| Bands | 1800 MHz (Band 3) and 2100 MHz (Band 1) |
| Frequency range (3GPP) | B3: TX 1805–1880 MHz / RX 1710–1785 MHz; B1: TX 2110–2170 MHz / RX 1920–1980 MHz |
| TX/RX | 4T4R |
| Technologies | GSM, UMTS (2100 MHz only), LTE FDD, NB-IoT (1800 MHz only); NR FDD in some combination configurations, depending on software |
| Working modes | GL, UL, GUL, LM, GLM, ULM (set by software) |
| UMTS capacity | Up to 8 carriers (2100 MHz) |
| LTE FDD capacity | 3 carriers in one band or 4 carriers across two bands; 5/10/15/20 MHz per carrier |
| NB-IoT | 1 carrier (1800 MHz) |
| CPRI ports | 2 |
| CPRI rate | 1.25, 2.5, 4.9 or 9.8 Gbit/s |
| CPRI topology | Star, chain or dual-star; up to 4 cascading levels |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 480 mm x 356 mm x 140 mm |
| Weight | 25 kg |
| Power supply | -48 V DC (range -36 V to -57 V DC) |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +55°C without solar radiation; -40°C to +50°C with solar radiation |
Multimode operation
The RRU5502 supports several mode combinations. GL means GSM + LTE, UL means UMTS + LTE, and GUL runs all three. The “M” in LM, GLM and ULM stands for LTE NB-IoT. Because UMTS is only supported on 2100 MHz and NB-IoT only on 1800 MHz, the typical split is GSM and/or LTE (plus NB-IoT) on Band 3, and UMTS and/or LTE on Band 1. Mixed-mode carrier limits are lower than the single-mode maximums, so plan carriers using the mode tables in the hardware description.
CPRI and fibre distance
The unit has two CPRI ports, which allows a dual-star connection to the baseband for redundancy, or chaining to further RRUs. Huawei specifies the maximum BBU-to-RRU distance by baseband board: up to 40 km with UBBPd and UBBPe boards (and LBBPd2), and up to 20 km with LBBPc and LBBPd1 boards. In LM, GLM and ULM modes the maximum distance is 20 km. Use SFP modules that match the configured CPRI rate on both ends.
Which BBUs and boards work with the RRU5502
The RRU5502 connects by CPRI to Huawei’s BBU3900-family and BBU5900 basebands through the baseband (LBBP/UBBP) boards. In practice, most used RRU5502 units are deployed with a Huawei BBU5900 or BBU3910, using UBBP boards such as the UBBPe4 for LTE. What decides whether a combination works is the board type, its CPRI capability and the eNodeB/SRAN software release, not the RRU alone. For board and slot rules, see our Huawei BBU5900 board compatibility guide.
RRU5502 vs single-band 4T4R radios
| Point | RRU5502 (dual-band) | Two single-band 4T4R RRUs |
|---|---|---|
| Units per sector for 1800 + 2100 | 1 | 2 |
| Power and fibre runs | One set | Two sets |
| Band flexibility | Fixed to 1800 + 2100 | Each band can be swapped or moved separately |
| Failure impact | One fault affects both bands on the sector | One fault affects one band |
| Best for | Tower-constrained sites, new 4T4R rollouts on both bands | Sites needing only one band, or mixed vendors/bands |
If you only need one band, a single-band unit such as the RRU5904 is usually simpler to deploy and to spare. See Huawei RRU5904 vs RRU3971 for a comparison of single-band 4T4R options.
What to check when buying a used RRU5502
- Label and serial number: confirm the model name and band marking on the original Huawei label, and record the serial number and BOM code. Our guide to Huawei BOM codes and serial numbers explains how to read them.
- Band variant: RRU5502 variants exist for other band pairs (for example AWS/PCS), so make sure the unit is the 1800 + 2100 MHz version your network uses.
- Connectors: inspect the four antenna ports, CPRI cages, power terminal and RET port for corrosion, bent pins or damaged threads.
- Housing and seals: check the heat sink fins, cover screws and cable entry seals; an outdoor unit relies on them for weather protection.
- Software: confirm that your BBU software release supports the RRU5502 and the mode you plan to run.
- Test results: ask for functional test and VSWR test results on every TX path, and for alarm-free operation when connected to a BBU.
FAQ
What bands does the Huawei RRU5502 support?
The common RRU5502 variant covers 1800 MHz (Band 3) and 2100 MHz (Band 1) in one unit, with 4T4R on both bands. Variants for other band pairs exist, so always check the label.
Can the RRU5502 run UMTS on 1800 MHz?
No. According to Huawei’s hardware description, UMTS is supported only on 2100 MHz, and NB-IoT only on 1800 MHz. GSM and LTE FDD can run on 1800 MHz.
How heavy is the RRU5502?
About 25 kg, with dimensions of 480 x 356 x 140 mm (H x W x D). Plan brackets and lifting accordingly.
Does the RRU5502 work with the BBU5900?
Yes, it connects over CPRI to the BBU5900 (and BBU3900-family basebands) through compatible LBBP/UBBP boards, subject to board type and software release.
Buy a tested Huawei RRU5502
We supply used and refurbished Huawei RRU5502 units, plus other Huawei RRUs, BBUs and baseband boards. Every unit is functionally tested and VSWR tested before shipment, comes with a 90-day warranty, and is shipped worldwide in secure packaging. Contact us on WhatsApp at +86 187 3329 4669 or +86 139 3088 8705, email jack@telecombts.com, or use the form at https://telecombts.com/contact-us/. We also buy surplus Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia equipment: sell your equipment.