28. April 2023

5 Min read

    Contents

      Written by Thomas Ritz

      Market Manager Public Networks

      Mobile operators in pole position

      Mobile network operators are in a unique position. During a 5G rollout, they will initially be able to use their existing networks. They can use collocated premises for new, non-standalone 5G installations and advanced 4G installations. To do so, they simply need to equip existing 4G macrocell sites with new and additional 5G infrastructure elements.

      Three key challenges have already been met: location access, backhaul infrastructure, and power supply. Access is usually already regulated by agreements. This saves some of the time searching for locations and equipment.

      In the medium term, mobile network operators will have to set up significantly denser network topologies with mini radio cells (small cells) at many additional premises. This is the only way they can achieve higher data rates and capacities for 5G. We are talking magnitudes of 20 to 50 times more antennas compared to 4G/LTE.

      A number of technological developments and site-specific challenges are connected with this. We report on this in detail in our specialist magazine CONNECTIONS No. 64.

      More fiber optics required

      A key topic is the network infrastructure with Radio Access Networks and centralized base stations (baseband units, BBU). There is a greater demand for fiber optic capacity to connect the BBUs to the 5G cells. It depends on distance and traffic load. In addition, there is a demand for power supply for active technology.

      The construction of fiber-optic connections between the backhaul network and antennas – Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) – is a complex matter. It’s not just about the availability and capacity of fiber optic lines, but also about individual site conditions. All premises are different. Sometimes creative cabling paths have to be found in the most unusual places.

      Public and private telecom operators, neutral hosts, and tower companies will in some places be forced to merge parts of their fiber optic networks. The space issue at the antennas and on buildings or the load capacity, wind load, and scalability must be taken into account when planning the installation.

       

       

      Here are some suggestions:

      • Network operators could coordinate their expansion more comprehensively, saving space, weight, labor, and costs. Together, they could make optimum use of their infrastructures and resources.
      • It makes sense to specify the cabling independently of the application. Application-neutral, modular, integrated connecting technology can be used efficiently.
      • In many cases, an advantage can be taken from cost-saving synergy effects. Combined solutions such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and the integration of public WiFi offerings may also be of interest.
      • The cabling solutions must take into account procedures for the individual upgrading of existing 4G/5G locations (brownfield). They must also be able to meet demands for the most standardized design of new 5G locations (green field).
      • Data transmission performance in the 5G network will increase to up to 4×25 Gbit with typically two SFPs (small factor pluggable) per remote radio head (RRH). In other words: The quality, security, and performance of the cable configurations between BBU and RRH determine whether providers can maintain the promised service quality.

      Modular kit for Fiber to the Antenna

      With CONEXIO, R&M is launching an all-on-one FTTA solution. The portfolio covers fiber optic, power, and hybrid cabling for connecting 4G and 5G radio cell locations. R&M has developed a robust plug housing with a quarter-turn (bayonet) fastener for fiber-optic outdoor connectivity: HEC-BR.

      As a result, mobile network operators will now receive full support from R&M for their 5G rollout.

      R&M also offers cabling solutions with hybrid cables for FTTA. They require less space and the installation effort is reduced. With farsighted planning, reserves can be provided for. This would prepare the station for future expansion with additional RRHs.