Fiber-To-The-Antenna (FTTA) Patch Cable
Fiber to the antenna (FTTA) uses optical fiber to connect remote radio heads to base stations in new towers or for retrofitting existing ones. FTTA CPRI fiber patch cables come pre-fabricated and factory-terminated to the required length, typically with LC connectors.
These waterproof FTTA connectors are easy to install and can be field-mounted at the tower site. They can also be easily disconnected and reconnected.
FTTA Cable
FTTA systems typically consist of a baseband unit (BBU) at the base of a tower and multiple fiber-fed remote radio units (RRUs) on top. This eliminates coaxial feeders that add noise, degrade signal quality and require tower amplifiers for RF power transmission. The RF signal is now carried in the digital domain over optical fiber using Common Public Radio Interface, or CPRI.
Traditionally, FTTA systems have required a series of homerun cables, each containing a fiber and power conductor, running from the BBU to each RRU. CommScope HELIAX trunk-to-breakout box (BOB) FTTA solutions cut installation time nearly in half and provide MNOs the agility, speed and accelerated deployment needed to keep up with network demands.
This FTTA cable solution consists of Corning fiber cable with LC UPC duplex connectors, designed for high ftta-cable reliability in heavy industrial and harsh environments. It features superior crush resistance and a degree of flexibility in the armored tube, as well as a flame retardant LSZH jacket that is UV stabilized and highly resistant to chemicals commonly found in industrial environments. This makes it suitable for indoor or outdoor industrial installations. These cables have been tested to meet a variety of standards and requirements, including insertion loss testing and OTDR, making them the ideal choice for FTTA applications. They can be delivered with a wide range of connectors, including ODVA, PDLC and NSN to suit any application.
FTTA Patch Cable
FTTA patch cable is an essential component in deploying robust, high-performance wireless networks. Its durability, signal quality, flexibility, and cost-efficiency make it an indispensable element of FTTA infrastructure, driving the advancement of mobile telecommunications and enhancing connectivity for end-users.
Featuring waterproof connectors and a rugged fiber terminal junction box, FTTA CPRI patch cables are designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments. They can be easily connected and disconnected, allowing for quick and efficient installation and maintenance of FTTA networks. This reduces downtime and operational costs.
Waterproof FTTA CPRI Patch Cords are available in single-mode and multi-mode fiber types, as well as armored or non-armored, depending on the application. They can be configured with a variety of waterproof connectors, including ODVA, PDLC, NSN, Mini SC, and Mini MPO. They also come in a range of lengths, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a high-performance cable or an economical option, we have the perfect product for your network. Our waterproof FTTA CPRI patch cords feature flame-retardant LSZH jacket, which protects against chemicals and UV exposure, as well as a sturdy armored tube to provide excellent crush resistance and protection against external damage. They are compatible with a wide range of fiber types, including OM3, OM4, 0S1 / OS2, and ITU-T G.652D or G.657A1; LC connectors; and are available in LSZH, Plenum, or Riser rated cable diameters of 2.4mm or 3mm. They are also designed to protect the correct network polarity and offer high-quality optical performance.
FTTA Feeder Cable
The rollout of 5G mobile networks requires innovative cabling solutions to provide the vital fiber to the antenna (FTTA) and power to the tower (PTTA) infrastructures. These include the use of hybrid cable systems that bundle both signal and power into a single unit; prefab cables that reduce installation time; and reused feeder cabling that recycles coaxial copper wire to carry power, while optical fiber is fed to the RRUs (remote radio units).
The FTTA feed cable used on cell towers typically uses either multimode or single-mode fiber depending on the BBU/RRU fiber requirements. Since they’re exposed to outdoor conditions, the cables must be robust and durable enough to withstand a range of weather conditions including UV exposure. They may be prefab or onsite terminated and the connectors must be protected from damage during handling and shipping. The connectors must also be regularly tested using insertion loss and OTDR testing.
A fusion or mechanical splice is often used to connect the fiber connector on the cable to the receptacle inside an RRU. It’s important to note that a faulty connector can cause significant performance issues and delays in network operation and may even result in a costly replacement of the entire component. That’s why it’s crucial to select the right tools for FTTA connectivity testing. VIAVI offers a range of wireless test equipment for fast, accurate, and reliable testing results to ensure that the FTTA connections are in good condition.
FTTA Outdoor Cable
FTTA outdoor fiber cable assemblies are used to connect remote radio heads (RRHs) and baseband units (BBUs) in mobile network infrastructure applications. They provide high-speed data transmission between the RRH and BBU, enabling wireless service providers to increase network capacity and speed. 5G˴Fibre to the home They are also suitable for distributed antenna system (DAS) networks. These outdoor-capable FTTA CPRI cable assemblies are characterized by their rugged and weather-resistant construction. They can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV exposure. In addition, they are designed to minimize signal loss.
Optical fibers are contained in precision alignment sleeves that support correct connectivity and alignment. The sleeves are sealed with a protective cap to prevent damage during handling. The caps can be removed and the optical fibers exposed before connecting to the RF connectors on the RRH or BBU. Dedicated outdoor connectors can be installed in the protective sleeves, eliminating the need for additional splicing and providing a more reliable connection.
FTTA armoured branch fiber patchcord is made of Corning optical fiber and LC/UPC duplex connector, which provides excellent compression resistance and flexibility. Moreover, the outer jacket of the cable is made of LSZH flame-retardant material, which ensures good performance in harsh environments. It is suitable for high-performance Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) cabling and base station construction connecting AAU and RRU in 4G/LTE and 5G network environments.