<<

RFS Cell Site Solutions

Ready for the next generation of wireless services

The Clear Choice® Optimize the value of your sites with the help of a worldwide leader

The wireless industry: A challenging business environment

In today’s highly competitive environment, mobile operators face an array of challenges:

In emerging markets, operators must In all markets, mobile operators must accommodate rapid subscriber growth, constantly optimize network performance, by ensuring high-speed deployment of while providing the best possible quality of the network. Moreover, they need cost- service to subscribers. effective solutions to ensure profitability in a market that generates low Average Whatever their geography or markets, Revenue per User (ARPU). The introduction mobile operators will continue to rely on of in these markets – at a time when their RF component partners to meet their is still widely deployed – is yet another needs for years to come. Among the areas challenge. in which operators can intervene, the choice of RF components plays In more mature markets, data traffic is a critical role. surging with the advent of 3G USB keys and user-friendly smartphones. As a first From higher gain antennas for deeper step, mobile operators need to optimize indoor service to lowest possible network capacity for and backhaul, attenuation cables and conditioning and maximize spectrum usage. Soon, they products, premium performance RF will have to introduce to accommodate components are by far the most cost- data traffic growth. This deployment will effective way for operators to optimize require the use of new frequency bands site quality indicators, compared to costly and therefore new RF components. capacity and software features. WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 2 Wireless Cellular Sites: RFS has the solution

Meeting all these challenges requires a unique breed of solutions.

Radio Frequency Systems® (RFS) has the Complete suite of RF site solutions answer. With over 50 years of design and suitable for 2G, 3G and LTE, whatever development experience, RFS provides a the frequency band. comprehensive portfolio of outdoor cellular site solutions. Our RF solutions cover the Innovative solutions that facilitate entire RF chain, from antennas deployments, both to diplexers and triplexers, feeders, jumpers for site deployment and site renovation. and tower solutions. The most comprehensive RFS’s leadership in the sector is system solutions designed underpinned by clear differentiators: to answer the most pressing need for precision-engineered systems Premium performance products all that mitigate interference and provide along the RF chain, including leading the flexibility to meet the capacity CELLFLEX® feeder cable solutions; Optimizer requirements of today and tomorrow. antennas with high gain and superior upper sidelobe suppression; and ShareLite diplexer A demonstrated commitment to R&D, and triplexer suite featuring very low loss. the source of technology breakthroughs.

Unique Ultra-Broadband Antenna A passion for customer service and design for multi-technology, multi- technical support, which helps customers frequency, high-end wireless networks. maximize the value they get from RFS solutions as well as minimize their total cost of ownership (TCO). WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 3 RFS Wireless Cellular Sites: The solution at a glance

CLUSTER ASSEMBLIES

MICROWAVE ANTENNAS

DIRECTIONAL PANEL ANTENNAS

JUMPER CABLES

TOWER MOUNTED AMPLIFIERS

REMOTE ELECTRICAL TILT ANTENNA CONTROL

DIPLEXERS AND FILTERS SITE OPTIMIZATION

CONNECTORS

FLEXWELL® ELLIPTICAL WAVEGUIDES

CELLFLEX® FOAM CABLES

HYBRIFLEX™ RRH HYBRID CABLING SOLUTION WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 4 RFS Base Station Antennas: An extensive portfolio for all frequencies and standards

RFS provides state-of-the-art base station antenna solutions – for different footprints, patterns, gains and tilt types – to suit Best-in-class PIM all mobile standards in all frequency bands. performance

PIM, or Passive InterModulation, is a major concern because it New dipole design delivers superior High-Band Antennas: can adversely affect the quality Technological advances matching across the entire band and performance of a typical communications site. Good site in design Improved antenna radiating geometry design, installation practices and improves front-to-back ratio and cross site mainten ance can keep PIM Taking innovative strides in antenna design, polarization discrimination and minimizes from becoming a serious problem. the contact between elements to High Band Variable Electrical Tilt antennas In base station antennas, PIM from RFS feature a completely re-designed eliminate intermodulation can be caused by poor solder joints, loose connections, antenna platform for premium network High performance phase shifter performance. Delivering outstanding dissimilar metal junctions, too network provides precise control of the many contact points, oxidation performance, reliability and value, this USLS suppression and pattern shape between metal surfaces in series is truly one-of-a-kind in today’s across the entire tilt range contact with each other, etc. demanding marketplace. Through design innovations at ® The Optimizer antenna series is specifically every stage, RFS secures best- Striking the perfect balance between designed to offer premium network in-class PIM performance for efficiency and performance, this innovative performance, delivering cost-efficient all of its base station antennas; design model will be the new standard for network capacity. These antennas provide connectors; cables; block construction; dipole construction future RFS base station antenna products. unrivaled performance where it counts! and assembly; reflectors; and final assembly. Frequency bands and mobile standards

RFS offers the widest range of 2G (GSM/TDMA/CDMA), 3G (UMTS/) and 4G (LTE/WiMAX) antenna solutions for network deployment, designed for greenfield players and existing operators alike.

698 960 1710 2200 2300 2700

EDD 800 DCS 1800 UMTS 790 862 1710 1785 1805 1880 1920 1980 2110 2200

CDMA PCS 1900 LTE2.6 806 849 869 894 1850 1910 1930 1990 2300 2700

700M H z GSM 900 AWS 698 746 746 794 880 915 925 960 1710 1755 2110 2155 WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 5 Technological breakthroughs in base station antenna design

Optimizer CELlite Ultra-Broadband Antennas: Rugged Antennas: construction and Ultra-flexible LTE lightweight design spectrum support

The best of both worlds: Introducing RFS RFS Ultra-Broadband Antennas antennas featuring CELlite and Optimizer dramatically simplify antenna requirements technologies for the rapid rollout of by supporting the full range of potential wireless networks in densely populated LTE frequencies on a single platform. regions. Ready for LTE testing today, they eliminate the need to replace or add antennas as These antennas are manufactured with operators trial and deploy LTE services at premium quality materials to ensure different frequencies. superior performance. The microstripline feed system consists of monolithic These antennas bring tremendous aluminum construction allowing for: flexibility to operators with 2G, 3G, Rugged CELlite construction PCS, AWS, GSM1800 and mobile TV Minimal welded joints to reduce Ensures high reliability networks, enabling them to activate LTE the possibility of intermodulation in any frequency band, using Software- Low PIM problems Defined Radio (SDR) – without changing Eliminates system down-time, provides the antenna. The antennas are thus ideal Minimal power losses to increase excellent call quality and reduces the for meeting rebanding and refarming the antenna gain number of dropped calls requirements in the 1710-2700 MHz Perfect production reliability and Dual polarized range. repeatability Optimizes RX performance Available in dual polarization or side- Excellent upper sidelobe suppression Each antenna features lightweight, by-side quad polarization versions, Allows strong mechanical tilt one-piece panel construction for ease the antennas feature RFS premium of installation, reducing handling cost. High gain performance: high gain, high upper All aluminum components are treated Provides better coverage sidelobe suppression and performance to minimize corrosion, assuring reliable stability across frequencies. They also operation in icing, salt air and rain Wideband frequency performance provide easy adjustments, optional remote conditions. Enables future growth and increases tilt, and a low-profile design to minimize flexibility visual impact. These antennas support all services between 806MHz and 960MHz. The side-by-side version gives operators They are ideal for CDMA applications increased flexibility to support multiple and GSM900 network coverage and technologies and seamlessly add capacity – optimization. all under a single radome. During LTE rollout, operators will benefit from Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), beamforming and 4-way receive (Rx) diversity. WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 6 Talking to the tower-top: RFS’ fully AISG-compliant Base Station solution set Antennas

The Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) protocol was designed by RFS ® Optimizer Rooftop : and other industry leaders to enable the RET Tailored to minimize introduction of antenna line products visual impact that feature remote control and monitoring capabilities, while ensuring The RFS Optimizer Rooftop – basic interoperability between these tailored to minimize visual products and the control infrastructure. ACU impact, streamline rooftop base station deployment and maximize return on Accurate control and monitoring investment – is perfect for of tower-top components frees the the urban skyline. operator from the inherent restrictions associated with proprietary control and Tower Unlike any in its class, the monitoring systems. It also enables them Mounted Optimizer Rooftop has been Amplifier designed for the rooftop to implement cost controls for both environment. With a unique greenfield deployments and mature base station assembly composed network retrofits. of a base, tilting mast, tri- cluster, RF condition equipment, jumpers and The latest version of the protocol is AISG transmission line, the Optimizer version 2.0. RFS offers a unique, end- Rooftop is an all-in-one base to-end AISG v2.0-compliant solution Bias-Tee station solution that is truly set; the company has effectively aligned rooftop-ready. all key antenna-line elements with this

The broad multi-disciplinary important standard. strategy adopted by RFS in the development of the Optimizer RFS’ fully AISG-compliant solution Rooftop has resulted in a set includes its RET (Remote Electrical solution that meets the needs AISG Tilt) system, the ‘Optimizer Universal’ of site acquisition teams, Primary procurement/purchasing Antenna Control Unit (ACU), TMA Controller teams, installation contractors, (UltraAmp™ Tower Mounted Amplifier), project managers and network Bias-Tee, Primary Controller, Protocol planners/managers. Adapter and Network Element Manager Protocol software. Adapter The Optimizer Rooftop is installed very rapidly. No crane is required. Only two people are Software needed to complete installation Applications in just four hours. WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 7 Site Optimization Products to maximize the effective use of your sites

UltraAmp™ Tower ShareLite Combining Mounted Amplifier: Solutions: Multiplying Beyond coverage deployment options improvement while dividing the costs

UltraAmp™ Tower Mounted Amplifier Combining solutions (diplexers and (TMAs) are used in wireless networks to triplexers) allow several systems to use improve coverage by boosting base station the same feeder cable between the base sensitivity. Higher BTS sensitivity leads to station and the antenna, resulting in a better voice quality and fewer dropped lighter tower load and a corresponding calls. In the case of 3G, moreover, using a cost savings in the streamlined TMA can also improve bit rate coverage for arrangement. data transmissions, enhancing coverage and capacity. RFS’ new ShareLite Combining Solutions efficiently support LTE migration on the cell TMAs can also be used to achieve cell tower, and are also backwards-compatible enlargement. This enables operators to with 2G and 3G frequencies. serve more subscribers from the same BTS site, ultimately generating additional network revenue.

EXTENDED COVERAGE RFS is one of the leading global suppliers of DOWNLINK TMAs, and supports the largest carriers and With TMA OEMs. RFS’ broad TMA portfolio offers the following: Without TMA Twin and dual band TMA models that DISTANCE UPLINK cover the major bands and applications in operation around the globe

Dual band units with internal diplexing DATA TRAFFIC Current Window Alarm (CWA) base MORE CAPACITY station interface or AISG 2.0 / 3GPP-compliant

DOWNLINK for use with Remote Tilt antenna systems

With TMA Flexible mechanical design for easy installation and versatility as the units can be Without TMA stacked and mounted in a myriad of ways

DISTANCE UPLINK Complimentary power distribution units and bias-tees as part of the RFS’ total package solution.

DATA TRAFFIC WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 8 Filter solutions: Flexible interference protection

The solutions’ unprecedented compact Co-location filters are used to prevent the design allows cell tower installation interference that often exists when RF on a swap-out basis, boosting service base stations are co-located. Interference capabilities while avoiding added weight degrades system performance and can to the site. increase the number of dropped calls in the network. In addition, ShareLite’s very low insertion loss limits the impact on total system loss, As networks have evolved from 1G to ensuring high quality wireless cellular 2G, and 3G to 3. and 4G overlays, services for years to come. and as environmental considerations have gained ground, the filtering challenge associated with indispensable, modern co- location scenarios has become particularly complex. Each scenario is unique.

RFS is ideally positioned to respond to today’s highly sophisticated, tailor-made UMTS GSM Rx Tx co-location filtering requirements. It Band Band 0

has a wide inventory of RF conditioning -10

products covering all bands, and offers -20

dedicated engineering support on a -30 GSM Filter UMTS Filter Response product-by-product basis. -40 Response dB -50 A proven supplier, RFS ships more -60 -70 5 Mhz DUAL BAND BROADBAND than 5,000 filtering products per Guard -80 Band week across the globe. All its filtering -90 solutions are subject to literally hundreds 1950 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1990 fx (MHz) of rigorous design verification tests, including those for shock, vibration, temperature extremes, salt, fog and other environmental hazards.

RFS’ skilled engineering team is ready to engage customers in technical discussions at the earliest stage in the project to help define an optimal solution. LOW HIGH LOW HIGH BAND BAND BAND BAND WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 9 RFS transmission-line products

CELLFLEX®: A comprehensive transmission-line portfolio to fit every need

The CELLFLEX® and CELLFLEX® Lite CELLFLEX® cables provide a reliable and Twenty unique CELLFLEX® types, ranging duo make up the largest corrugated technically superior solution when used in size from 1/8” to 2-1/4”, provide transmission-line portfolio in the wireless as backbone feeders in cellular radio users with a perfect match for the most infrastructure industry. The foam dielectric systems, including GSM, UMTS, CDMA, complicated and demanding applications. cables combine remarkable flexibility PDC and LTE, as well as WIMAX. Other Every cable comes with a guarantee with high strength and superior electrical common uses for the CELLFLEX® family of reliability, performance and cost- performance. This premium transmission include the cabling of antenna arrays, effectiveness from the most experienced line family is backed by a complete line of radio equipment interconnections and and innovative cable manufacturer in the accessories common to both the copper jumper assemblies. world – Systems. and aluminum products, including the renowned OMNI FIT™ connector range.

A tradition of innovation With a long tradition of leadership in cable design, RFS has been responsible for many transmission-line firsts:

Invention of corrugated, Launch of foam dielectric coaxial Development of the extremely light longitudinally welded coaxial cables cables in 1962 by the now renamed CELLFLEX® Lite corrugated aluminum in 1951 by RFS’ direct predecessor, Kabelmetal Corporation outer conductor cable, based on the the Hackethaldraht Company original copper CELLFLEX® cable WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 10 Total compatibility

OMNI FIT™ Premium OMNI FIT™ Standard Cable accessories RF-Connectors: The connectors: and tools: The highest lowest PIM levels Cost-effective quality for a complete in the industry performance cable system

OMNI FIT™ Premium RF-Connectors RFS’ new OMNI FIT™ Standard connectors Designed to provide years of trouble-free guarantee hassle-free installation, safe are designed to provide standard VSWR service, RFS cable accessories and tools are sealing, and the lowest PIM levels in the performance while ensuring excellent PIM of the highest quality. These components industry. performance. The connectors offer a cost- have been thoroughly tested together with effective, high-quality connector-to-cable RFS transmission line products to insure full The product of intense research, OMNI interface, ensuring easy, fast and safe interoperability. FIT™ Premium incorporates groundbreaking connector attachment. concepts in connector design. A new high- tech polymer claw replaces the machined brass version, and the dual grip function on the outer conductor ensures best-in- class PIM performance under static and dynamic conditions. The high-tech polymer claw is a low-friction component for easier installation and eliminates the risk of corrosion.

OMNI FIT™ Premium connectors provide a secure and extremely watertight seal, so that no additional weatherproofing is Total compatibility RFS offers all necessary accessories needed, saving users time and money. and tools for a complete cable system, All Premium and Standard connectors in the including: breakthrough OMNI FIT™ Grounding kit product line are fully compatible with CELLFLEX® Uses a tin-plated ground braid; designed and CELLFLEX® Lite copper and for both copper and aluminum outer aluminum transmission lines. conductor cables

Likewise, all CELLFLEX® Connector installation tools accessories work with both Recommended for reliability, repeatability copper and aluminum cables, for significant savings and time savings in storage and reduced installation errors. Manual and drill tools WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 11 Revolutionary products for Remote Radio Head technology

HYBRIFLEX™: The world’s first lightweight aluminum hybrid feeder cabling solution for Remote Radio Heads

Operators face a constant challenge to HYBRIFLEX™’s unique design upgrade technology, reduce operating and structure:

expenditures (OPEX) and decrease CO2 emissions at cellular sites. In this context, Simplifies inventory management many operators are implementing a of cable accessories, as HYBRIFLEX™ is distributed base station architecture where designed for standard RF feeder diameters. Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) are installed Commonly available RFS CELLFLEX® LCF next to the antenna on the tower or ½-inch and LCF 7/8-inch feeder accessories rooftop rather than deploying old-style can be used in all HYBRIFLEX™ installations. macro base stations. Installing the RRH close to the antenna reduces costs by cutting Offers maximum flexibility power consumption — typically in half — HYBRIFLEX™ can be connectorized on- but means RF transmission, power and site. Alternatively, pre-connectorized grounding cables must all be brought to the solutions and services are available to help RRH on the tower or rooftop. standardize the RRH cabling process.

To meet this challenge, RFS developed Minimizes weight and provides HYBRIFLEX™, the world’s first lightweight extra protection aluminum hybrid feeder cabling solution for The extremely lightweight cable features RRH. It allows operators to connect up to aluminum armor. Aluminum also offers three sectors with a single composite optical the fragile fiber optic cables inside more fiber and power cable with the grounding protection than polyethylene tubes and at function incorporated in the cable. a much lower cost than cable trays.

With this revolutionary RRH hybrid feeder Incorporates the grounding function cabling solution, RFS has become the first This feature, critical to RRHs, also eliminates company to combine optical fiber and DC the need for and cost of cable power for RRHs in a single lightweight grounding. aluminum corrugated cable. RFS’ patent pending solution reduces cabling expenditures, provides for easy installation and boosts operational efficiency, enabling mobile operators to evolve their networks while limiting power consumption and carbon footprint at cellular sites. WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 12 DC-FIT™: An RFS world Jumpers: Optimized first and exclusive for high-performance telecommunications systems

RFS DC-FIT is an innovative solution RFS’ CELLFLEX® Factory-Fit Jumper Cables designed to connect a Direct Current (DC) feature a unique soldered-on connector for cable with an existing coaxial cable run. today’s high-performance wireless systems. Upgrading a conventional coax site to The connector design and manufacturing Remote Radio Heads (RRH) technology is a process has been optimized to produce breeze – in contrast to the time-consuming premium VSWR and PIM levels for mobile ANTENNA installation of a new DC cable run. communication systems.

JUMPER CABLE

TMA (OPTIONAL) DC-FIT CONVERTER

RRH DC cables RF cable conveying DC current

To stay at the forefront of technology, system operators constantly upgrade their networks. Most recently, the use of tower-top equipment – known as Remote Radio Heads (RRH) – is increasingly CELLFLEX® foam dielectric cables being adopted, especially for 3G systems. combine a remarkable flexibility. The construction of the cables allows for easy 3-SECTOR HYBRID CABLE RRH technology helps solve the problem handling and easy preparation for the of antenna siting. In many markets, the attachment of connectors. Jumper cables population has become ever more sensitive are available in standard (LCF12-50) and to new antenna sites. Using existing sites superflexible versions (SCF12-50); they are is a potential answer, but these are often made of flame-retardant, halogen-free already overcrowded. Dismantling is a material and equipped with PE jackets. time-consuming process and may not be BBU acceptable, as the operator cannot generate Connectors for CELLFLEX® foam dielectric revenue from an off-air site. cables are of premium quality and feature a PSU self-flaring design for low VSWR and easy To resolve this problem, RFS uses existing installation. For the Factory-Fit Jumper, a coaxial foam dielectric cable feeders as the special connector protection is offered with RRH power supply and housing for the fiber the following connector types: 7-16 male, optical data connection. Installation time 7-16 male right angle, and 7-16 female. and costs are substantially reduced (by up to 50%) when using existing coaxial feeder lines. The DC-FIT concept is an RFS world first and exclusive innovation. WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 13 Microwave antenna systems

Five links to success

RFS’ leadership in the RF microwave sector is underpinned by five clear differentiators:

End-to-end microwave antenna systems RFS’ portfolio encompasses all elements of the RF chain. Our comprehensive suite of microwave antennas includes advanced mounting structures, wind load kits, sway bars, couplers, elliptical waveguides, connectors, grounding kits and Truly global service and support pressurization equipment. With on-the-ground personnel on every continent, RFS is ideally positioned to offer Total life-cycle performance truly global value-added services, including The mechanical robustness and electrical installation and system design advice, performance of RFS microwave solutions technical training programs, customized are unsurpassed. RFS antenna installations logistical services and much more. exhibit survival wind speeds of up to 250km/h (155mph). Engineering excellence All RFS antenna models and integrated R&D and innovation antennas are designed and developed Through an unrivalled program of research in the company’s own state-of-the-art and design, RFS is a leader and innovator engineering facilities. All prototypes are in the microwave systems sector, delivering subjected to extensive testing – including future-proof systems that can support electrical, mechanical and environmental tomorrow’s capacity requirements. performance.

Premium electrical performance features by RFS

End-to-end system optimization Careful matching of customized antenna and waveguide components for optimum system operation

Interference control Unsurpassed RF pattern/sidelobe control, meeting all – and exceeding most – global radiation standards

High cross-polar discrimination Dual-polarization antennas provide additional capacity with reduced interference

Low loss and low VSWR Each antenna and waveguide is custom-made for optimal electrical performance in specific frequency bands

Mechanical stability Installations feature unsurpassed mechanical stability for premium point-to-point radio link networks WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 14 Why RFS? A worldwide leader in wireless and broadcast infrastructure

Serious about services A tradition of innovation

Customers know they can count on RFS For over a century, RFS has been at the for comprehensive logistical capabilities, forefront of the wireless communication flawless execution and outstanding industry through its unwavering commitment technical skills and support. The company’s to design and develop the world’s most dedicated shipment coordinators, hotline advanced technology in the field. Dedicated staff and on-site engineers go well beyond R&D teams, along with a privileged mere technology, striving to offer tailored partnership with Bell Labs, are at the source solutions to meet even the most complex of breakthroughs that are ensuring the site-engineering and delivery challenges. mobility of an increasingly wireless world. Radio Frequency Systems

(RFS) is a global designer and RFS’ value-added services match the RFS is at the frontier of wireless technology manufacturer of cable, antenna exact needs of business partners large innovation, sustaining the boldest ventures and tower systems, along and small. to enhance the way people communicate with active and passive RF and live. conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless and broadcast infrastructure. Ever-present quality A truly global guarantee company RFS serves OEMs, distributors, systems integrators, operators From design to manufacture, ISO 9001 With on-the-ground personnel in more and installers in the broadcast, and ISO 14001 certification standards than 20 countries and on every continent, wireless communications, land- encompass all aspects of RFS’ business RFS always delivers on its commitments, mobile and microwave market worldwide. Every product RFS ships has providing a comprehensive range of sectors. stood up to the most stringent technical, premium products, systems and services. Its environmental and quality control tests, clients benefit from all the advantages of a As an ISO-compliant organi- continuously meeting and surpassing global supplier, while relying on dedicated zation with manufacturing the expectations of a long list of wireless support from RFS’ local engineering, and customer-service facilities carriers, transportation and utility operators, manufacturing and shipping teams. that span the globe, RFS offers and broadcasters. cutting-edge engineering RFS’ products, systems and personnel can capabilities, superior field RFS backs every product bearing its name be found in every corner of the planet. support and innovative product with a quality guarantee that is unrivaled in As a global group, RFS is committed design. the market. to upholding the most stringent environmental, health and safety standards, and seeks to integrate green initiatives in every aspect of its business. WIRELESS CELL SITE SOLUTIONS RFS 15 www.rfsworld.com/sales/apac Asia Pacific www.rfsworld.com/sales/na North America www.rfsworld.com/sales/latam Latin America www.rfsworld.com/sales/euno Europe Northern www.rfsworld.com/sales/semeai Europe, MiddleEast,Africa&India Southern the nearest RFSsalesoffice: For more information,pleasecontact www.rfsworld.com The ClearChoice ®

© Radio Frequency Systems - 05/2011