Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), a global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, announced the availability of Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) panels. RFS’ 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, the CPRI panel enables 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. The RFS CPRI panel is bundled with RFS’ high-quality fiber optic jumpers, providing an end-to-end solution that includes HYBRIFLEXÒfiber-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 money and time,” said Mohamed Alameh, Regional Product Manager, RFS. “Our CPRI panel provides an easier way to troubleshoot and test the system, without having to take the system down. By bundling this product with our popular fiber jumpers, we are able to offer our customers a cost-effective ‘whole package’ solution providing our fiber jumpers that are compatible with our 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 its customers, RFS is prepared with strategic stock levels (Quick Ship) and top-notch application engineering support for training purposes.

The expansion of RFS’ 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. MNOs 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 MNOsthe ability to centralize base station deployments up to40 KM away, enabling low-cost, highly reliable, low-latency and high-bandwidth interconnected networks.

RFS’s CPRI 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, which is the densest and most compact solution in the market today, fully aligned with C-RAN applications.

RFS’s 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.

“All these points make the RFS CPRI Panel Solution the logical choice for network deployment all around the world where CPRI solutions are being demanded,” says Alameh.

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.

For more information visit www.rfsworld.com.