Wireless Connectivity

As companies in all industries across the globe realize the importance of going completely wireless, businesses like HUBER+SUHNER are enabling firms to take advantage of mobile broadband. Remote radio systems are an ideal solution as they power a wide array of capabilities, as opposed to conventional base stations.

In fact, these next-generation platforms have not only been designed from the ground up to reduce the energy used by firms by nearly 30 percent, but are also touted as improving network efficiency and coverage. Remote radio systems even can transmit the digital data from the base station directly to the remote radio head, permitting them to be placed within a much less sophisticated storage area that allows for a high level of flexibility.

When deciding to implement a RRH (remote radio head) product, the use of coaxial cables is essential. These robust cables have been created specifically to withstand extreme conditions seen in real-life scenarios and have already been precut to fit the intended space perfectly when assembled.

According to a recent white paper from wireless connectivity provider HUBER+SUHNER, “This saves the need for time-consuming site visits to measure out cable routings and simplifies the task of cable logistics which, given their size and weight, constitute a significant cost factor. The connectors themselves can be assembled by trained installation personnel in the filed, whereby the quality of the installation can be assured by using special assembly tools and following the instructions from the manufacturers.”

The RRHs receive and send data via fiber optic cables and shielded copper cables. They can be placed in the great outdoors and still perform successfully under conditions including rain, corrosion and high temperatures.

There are three different ways the connection can be set up: through external connectors, multistage sealing systems and cable assemblies. External connectors will help to keep the wireless connection in place at all times, as it prevents against water or corrosion damage, while the multistage sealing systems usually have its own set of problems related to the wires not being fully protected at all times.

In addition, the cable technology usually must overcome various obstacles that tend to take place accidentally when adding load supports.

Yet something to take note of is that in most cases, “fiber optic connections on remote radios are not compatible and interchangeable. Every system manufacturer uses [its] own connection method, and there cannot be even compatibility between different generations of product from a single manufacturer.”

Another option for wireless connectivity though is a power cable. These copper cables are not as easily damaged as other products used, but tend to more costly when installing and maintaining. There are various solutions within the power cable segment such as factory-terminate connectors that help to ensure the connection remains successful while placed within the ground. These cables are perfect for scenarios involving the necessity for grounding of the shielding occurring separately, the paper added.

To explore the different types of installation methods for RRHs, as well as more detailed information in regards to cleaning fiber optics then be sure to stayed tuned for part two of this series that can be found on the Wireless Connectivity channel, exclusively on TMCnet.