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Optical module used by RRU

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 22 Nov 2023

Prepared for preliminary research by the ROGER FIBRE knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

An optical module on an RRU converts electrical signals to optical signals (and vice versa) to transmit data between the RRU and BBU over fiber.

Function and Role

The optical module in a Remote Radio Unit (RRU) is responsible for optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical signal conversion, enabling high-speed data transmission over fiber optic cables between the RRU and the Baseband Unit (BBU) in a base station network. This is essential for 2G/3G/4G/5G networks, where the RRU is mounted on towers or antennas, and the BBU is located in a machine room or cabinet.

Interfaces and Standards

Optical modules typically connect via CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) or eCPRI interfaces. These interfaces carry baseband I/Q signals from the BBU to the RRU and back, supporting high data rates and low latency. For example, 10G SFP+ CPRI optical modules are commonly used in modern base stations, providing transmission distances up to 40 km.

Connection and Cabling

The optical module is connected to fiber optic cables, which can be single-core or multi-core depending on the deployment. Field optical cables are designed for outdoor use, offering flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors such as tension, pressure, and temperature variations. The optical module plugs into the RRU's optical port, while the other end connects to the BBU or an optical distribution frame (ODF) in CRAN deployments.

Monitoring and Information

Operators can display optical module information on the RRU, including module type, transmit power, and receive power, which helps in monitoring link quality and troubleshooting. This ensures reliable communication between the RRU and BBU, maintaining network performance.

Summary

In essence, the optical module is a critical component of the RRU, enabling high-speed, long-distance communication over fiber, supporting modern wireless standards, and ensuring efficient signal transmission between the antenna and the baseband processing unit. Proper selection, installation, and monitoring of optical modules are key for network reliability and performance.

Optical module used by RRU - ROGER FIBRE ATELIER [PDF]

Optical module used by RRU

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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