One
infrastructure technology is enabling the convergence of networks—optical fiber. As the requirements in
both the wired and wireless worlds
fuel the need for high reliability, low
delay, high capacity and extended distances, fiber optic solutions are reaching
deeper into the network.
Over
the last decade, wireless network
architectures have been evolving from the legacy cell site architecture
where large radios are located remote from the antennas, to an architecture
wherein a separate RF portion of the
radio can be located more closely to the antenna. This separation of the
digital radio (base band unit [BBU])
from the analog radio (remote radio head
[RRH]) allows for a reduction of the equipment foot print at the site and
for a more efficient network operation. A digital
fiber optic link (coupled with power conductors) provides the connection
between the BBU and RRH called fiber-to-the-antenna
(FTTA).
The
potential for today’s current and emerging standards such as LTE are huge and exciting. They are
already redefining what customers expect from their wireless providers. At the
same time, the challenges of deployment can be daunting. How can you best
optimize your current infrastructure and adapt to these new technologies? What
is the best method for adjusting existing
tower components to meet the new critical needs of deploying RRH without
overloading the tower? How do you ensure adequate fiber capacity that will
enable you to grow beyond tomorrow while making sure your CapEx and OpEx costs do not spiral out of control?
At
CommScope, we believe that the solution begins with the basics: your cabling
system. It is the core component of your infrastructure. The CommScope Infrastructure Academy’s SP6107
– HELIAX FiberFeed Certification course will hopefully answer some of your
questions in providing a flexible
infrastructure for the future of cell site installations.
The
course highlights product options
available and explains proper installation. It also looks at fiber end face
inspection, which is a critical element of installation and troubleshooting.
I encourage you to take this course. I also welcome your feedback. Please use
the comment section below.