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Testing and validating the performance of fronthaul networks requires an easy-to-use, all-in-one test solution that covers end-to-end testing requirements when deploying, maintaining and assuring new fiber-fed mobile networks.
Even with additional spectrum and the introduction of long-term evolution (LTE) networks, there are geographical areas in mobile networks where demand is projected to exceed the capacity provided by the macro layer.
To expand their networks to other hard-to-reach locations, wireless providers are turning to the deployment of alternative infrastructures, like remote radio heads (RRH), distributed antenna systems (DAS) and other small-cell alternatives, most of which are fiber-based.
There's more to it than just wireless
Since physical and transport layers remain the foundation of a network, they require proper testing to:
To bring bandwidth connection to cell towers, operators must now rely on fibers to connect the base station to the backhaul, and the RRH to the base station.
Typically, in a new cell-tower deployment, fibers run from the base station to the RRH–at the top of the antenna. Due to the number of existing cell sites, operators can also choose to upgrade the cell site by replacing old coax cables with fibers from the base station to the RRH. In most cases, they will use contractors specializing in installation and maintenance to complete these jobs.
Key considerations and challenges:
A distributed antenna system, or DAS, is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium (fiber) that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure. DAS elevations are generally at or below the clutter level, and node installations are compact.
Similar network design is also seen in other fiber-fed, small-cell infrastructures.
Key considerations and challenges:
What you should do: perform visual inspection to detect dirty/damaged connectors; clean them if required
The tools you need:
What you should do: look for anything potentially impacting total budget loss (dB), such as macrobends, splices,
bad connectors, fiber breaks, etc.
The tools you need:
What you should do: FTTA validation for CPRI from 1.2 Gbit/s to 9.8 Gbit/s via BER testing
The tools you need:
What you should do: continuously check in-service fiber pairs for changes that can be localized and potentially impact services quality
The tools you need: