Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) announced the availability of Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) panels. Their CPRI Interface Panels are used to test fiber connectivity between Optical Base Band Units (BBU) and Remote Radio Heads (RRH), allowing cell operations and system performance engineers to ensure the best performance without having to disconnect the fiber optical system or disrupt service.
In addition, they enable easy RF over CPRI testing at the bottom of the tower, reducing the need for unnecessary tower climbs, thus minimizing maintenance cost and overall OPEX for customers. This CPRI panel is bundled with their high-quality fiber optic jumpers, providing an end-to-end solution that includes HYBRIFLEX fiber-to-the-antenna DC and F/O solutions.
The rugged, lightweight aluminum CPRI Interface Panel provides bidirectional continuity and uniformity in attenuation over the full CDWM spectrum while utilizing included optical terminators to reduce optical return loss in the communication link. Engineers can access the transmit data stream or uplink or downlink through a monitor port that does not affect service, eliminating the complications and downtime associated with disconnecting the RRH from the continuous communications optical link.
With the CPRI interface panel, all testing that was formerly done through tower climbing can now be done at the bottom, including tests such as BBU Emulation, RET Control, PIM Values, Return Loss, RF Spectrum Analysis, Troubleshoot Hunt and Troubleshooting Link. This saves customers money and time. It provides an easier way to troubleshoot and test the system, without having to take the system down. By bundling this product with their popular fiber jumpers, they are able to offer customers a cost-effective ‘whole package’ solution provided the fiber jumpers are compatible with the HYBRIFLEX cable. Using the same fiber optics from RRU to BBU eliminates any potential compatibility issues that might arise due to different fiber grade.
Anticipating high demand from their customers, they are prepared with strategic stock levels (Quick Ship) and top-notch application engineering support for training purposes.
This expansion of product portfolio with the addition of CPRI panels reflects the company’s continued investment in preparing carriers for the demands of both today and the future. Mobile Network Operators are now looking to Cloud-RAN or Centralized-RAN (C-RAN), a new cellular network architecture for future mobile network infrastructure, which takes full advantage of the CPRI interface panels. The advent of C-RAN, in conjunction with fiber and CPRI, gives MNOs the ability to centralize base station deployments up to 40 KM away, enabling low-cost, highly reliable, low-latency and high-bandwidth interconnected networks.
This solution can be purchased with either 1 or 3 factory-loaded modules, thus allowing up to 18 CPRI ports in only 1 RU of space, making it a very compact solution, fully aligned with C-RAN applications. The CPRI module, chassis, fiber management box and jumper kit can be purchased as standalone items in addition to the bundled kit solutions. This level of flexibility enables customers to build modular, scalable kits that future-proof their networks, and also enables them to move the CPRI from the site to the C-RAN as networks evolve.
RFS’ CPRI Interface Panels are manufactured in the USA and feature unique decals and optical mating sleeves to provide easy identification of each sector and carrier.
