CONNECTIONS_64-e

Focus
The biggest challenges in setting up small
cells include:
– site acquisition (co-located, standalone)
– backhaul connectivity (fiber optic availability
and capacity)
– location-specific fiber optic and power
supply (connectivity and metering)
Using existing systems
As mentioned above, mobile network
operators can use existing infrastructures to
quickly install additional frequencies and thus
new radio cells in certain areas. Three key
challenges have already been met: location
access, backhaul availability/capacity, and
power supply. Access is usually already regulated
by agreements. This saves some of the
time searching for locations and equipment.
Suitable backhaul connectivity is essential for
setting up small cells. It goes without saying
that the fastest possible direct signal trans-
Radio cell planning
First, suppliers must equip the macro cells
with new and additional infrastructures. As
a rule, signal cabling and the power supply
for the existing 4G/LTE technology are
available. The new 5G active technology
and the corresponding cabling must also
be accommodated – taking into account
wind load, load capacity, scalability, supplier
changes and technology upgrades.
The components of 5G fiber optic cabling
should be as compact, lightweight and integrable
as possible and suitable for miscellaneous
location situations. Another decisive
criterion: uncomplicated, fast installation and
the best possible accessibility for maintenance.
030.8335
The cabling solutions must take into account
procedures for the individual upgrading of
existing 4G/5G locations (brown field). They
must also be able to meet demands for the
most standardized design of new 5G locations
(green field).
041.0769
R&M’s CONEXIO FTTA all-in-one solution
In the near future, 5G small cells will be
added as «non-standalone», followed by new
«standalone 5G» locations. They, too, need
multi-fiber links to fiber optic networks at
every conceivable point in the urban, underground
communications network, often in a
sometimes extremely challenging environment.
This calls for a new generation of FTTA
cabling which meets the challenges of 5G
deployment with modular solutions.
030.8322
This makes it easy to install the required
infrastructure and adapt and scale it to the
individual location conditions. Naturally,
components and connectivity in fiber optic
cabling have to be configured for harsh ambient
conditions and have the corresponding
robustness (impact and compressive
strength) and tightness (IP protection).
With CONEXIO, R&M is currently introducing
an all-in-one FTTA solution on the
market (see also page 23). It consists of
CONEXIO lite, flexx and easy. The portfolio
covers fiber optic, power and hybrid
cabling for connecting 4G and 5G radio cell
locations. R&M uses products developed
in-house especially for outdoor connectivity
(IP68, HEC-BR) and outdoor cables in the
fiber optic sector.
In the FTTA area, R&M also offers cabling
solutions with hybrid cables. As a result, the
overall cabling typically requires less space,
the installation effort is correspondingly
reduced and the spatial requirements can be
better consolidated. With correspondingly
farsighted planning, additional optical fibers
and copper strands can be provided in the
hybrid cable. This would prepare the station
for future expansion with additional RRHs.
030.8373 030.8374 030.8375
www.rdm.com/conexio/
With its flexx, easy and lite variants, CONEXIO from R&M offers optimal solutions
for every location situation. Figures: R&M
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