FTTA Solutions : High-Speed Fiber to the Antenna Technology
Discover how SPRING's FTTA fiber optic cables, connectors, and terminal boxes improve signal performance, reduce maintenance costs, and prepare your network for seamless 5G deployment.
What is an FTTA Solution?
An FTTA (Fiber To The Antenna) solution is a modern design of wireless communications networks that utilizes fiber instead of traditional coax cables to connect base station equipment (BBU) to remote radio units (RRU). This logic follows the modern operating plans with higher data rates, less signal loss, and overall system stability. FTTA solutions are a key component of most integrated 4G/5G macro-based stations, small cells, and C-RAN (consolidated RAN) solutions today.
At SPRING, we are your trusted provider of dependable and efficient acquisition and leasing FTTA solutions or components, which include any or all of the following equipment components:
★ Opti-Tap
★ Sliding Fiber Optic Patch Panels
★ BS Remote Optic Cable Patch Cords
★ Multi Core IP67 Outdoor Waterproof Patch Cords
FTTA Network Structure
The following stages are generally involved in the transmission of a signal from a base band unit (BBU), such as the 4G/5G base station, to the antenna :
|
Section |
Function |
Key products |
|
Baseband Unit Room (Baseband unit) |
Controls RRU and processes baseband signals |
BBU Sliding fiber optic patch panel Outdoor Fiber Cable |
|
RRU (Fiber transmission) / BBU-RRU |
Transfers RRU baseband signals via fiber |
BS Remote Optic Cable Patch Cord FTTA Connectors (PDLC, NSN ODVA-LC Full AXS LC) FTTA Terminal Box |
|
RRU (Remote Radio Unit) |
Converts optical signal to RF signals |
RRU RRU Mounting Bracket |
|
RRU - Antenna (RF Transmission) |
The antenna receives the RF signals |
Feeder Cable Antenna Feeder Jumper |
|
Antenna |
Wireless signals: Transmitting and receiving |
Antenna Surge Protector |
In a 4G Base Station, fiber (FTTA)connects the BBU with the RRU. RF feed cables connect the antenna.
In 5G (AAU architecture), the BBU, RRU, and antenna combine to form a DU. The RRU and antenna are integrated into an AAU using an all-fiber connection in order to minimize RF losses and boost performance.
Different Fiber Cables for FTTA Networks
Fiber optic cables are used to replace traditional RF feeders in FTTA solutions to achieve lower losses and higher bandwidth transmission. Different fiber cables play different roles in FTTA architecture:
Outdoor Fiber Cable:
Transmits signal over long distances, from the BBU to the tower base.
BS Remote Optic Cable patch Cord:
Connects the tower base or the RRU unit to the top. Plug-and-play for easy installation.
Multicore IP67 Outdoor Waterproof patch Cord:
Supports multi-RRU connections, reducing the fiber count and improving installation.
FTTA Terminal Box Deployment Options
1. Tower Base deployment
Scenario: When the fiber between BBU and RRU has a long length, operators typically install an FTTA Terminal box at the tower base. They then use BS Remote Optic Cable Patch cords to connect the RRU to the top.
Advantages:
The tower-top equipment can be reduced, lowering the maintenance costs.
Fiber maintenance is easier at ground level. This reduces the need to climb towers.
2. Tower Top (Near RRU Deployment)
Scenario: When multiple RRUs at the top are deployed, operators install the FTTA terminal box near the RRU to distribute fiber.
Advantages:
Reduce cable clutter by centralizing fiber management across multiple RRUs.
When replacing RRUs with quick fiber connections, maintenance efficiency is improved.
FTTA Solution Benefits
Lower signal loss, longer transmission distance
Replace traditional coaxial with fiber optics to minimize signal loss. This ensures that high-speed information can be sent over long ranges.
Reduction in Maintenance Costs and Increased Network Dependability
By reducing maintenance costs, optical fibres can improve network reliability.
Supports Evolution to 5G & Improves Network Performance
FTTA fully supports 5G, which makes it a viable solution for next-generation technology.