RFS LTE Solutions Brochure
RFS LTE Solutions
Enabling the communications revolution at the cell tower top
The Clear Choice® Efficiently migrate to LTE technology
More than any other wireless innovation, Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology has the capability to change the face of communications. It will provide the bandwidth and flexibility to support more advanced services for business and consumer end users, thereby creating new revenue opportunities for wireless network operators worldwide. As a result, operators around the world are making plans to enhance their networks by integrating LTE technology. Regular market updates by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) continue to confirm a growing global commitment and support for LTE as the next generation mobile broadband system of choice. And many operators are already building out their networks and transforming them to take advantage of all the benefits LTE has to offer.
Based on an unrivaled knowledge of upgrading or replacing traditional base wireless infrastructure, RFS’ proven station configurations with the latest portfolio of lightweight, high performance distributed base station architectures. RF equipment is optimized to provide the best possible performance, compatibility All RFS solutions are the result of ongoing and cost-effective longevity for the full investments in R&D and a close working range of the most common bands, relationship with customers, which applications and emerging technologies, ensure all products are designed to meet including LTE (2.6G Hz and 700 MHz), the demanding network infrastructure Cellular 850, GSM 900 and 1800, needs of today and the requirements of RFS provides complete wireless PCS 1900, AWS and UMTS 2100. emerging communications standards. infrastructure solutions that enable an efficient migration to LTE. These This complete portfolio includes world solutions offer an evolutionary class LTE solutions already deployed path that keeps the real estate around the world, such as base station changes at cell sites to an absolute antennas (BSAs), site optimization minimum, while allowing operators products (SOPs), and microwave antennas. to optimize each site for today’s It also includes innovative hybrid cabling network technology, tomorrow’s LTE and connection solutions that make it requirements, and beyond. easier to streamline operations when LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
2 Optimize base station operations
One of the biggest challenges operators face is ensuring their base stations can cost-effectively support a variety of frequencies. The time, cost and risk associated with antenna site evolution can negatively impact an operator’s bottom line because replacing or adding antennas to accommodate different technologies or frequencies delays time-to-market, is expensive and can lead to difficult negotiations with landlords.
These challenges are of particular concern RFS offers antennas for all frequencies as for operators moving to LTE, where well as feeder sharing solutions designed allocated frequencies may be unknown to address the space and deployment or may change from the trial stage to constraints operators will face as the deployment stage. While LTE will they add LTE capabilities to their base eventually be the prevailing technology stations. These solutions reduce the cost across the entire spectrum, operators may associated with materials, site installation want to take advantage of frequencies and ongoing operations, lower the down to 1800 MHz, if and when risk of migration to LTE technologies, spectrum becomes available. On the other and improve time-to-market with new, hand, operators may want to use LTE at revenue-generating services. In addition, 700 MHz or 800 MHz to achieve specific they help operators optimize base station market objectives. operations and maximize 4G investments by reducing the loading on cell towers and minimizing both leasing costs and visual impact on the environment. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
3 Leverage a complete portfolio of LTE antenna options
The complete portfolio of RFS LTE antenna solutions offers state-of-the-art base station antenna options designed to meet the full spectrum of operator footprint, pattern, gain and tilt requirements.
Low band antennas for Dual band antennas to High band broadband capacity and precision reduce tower loading antennas for best-in- class coverage
RFS Optimizer® low band antennas are For applications that require a minimum LTE network performance in the 2.6 GHz designed to provide capacity, precision number of antennas at a cell site frequency band can be maximized with and durability to support 700, 800 and to reduce tower loading RFS offers RFS Optimizer® high band broadband 900 MHz LTE operations. These high gain Optimizer® dual band antennas antennas. These variable electrical tilt antennas are available in fixed electrical designed to operate at 790-960 and narrow and wideband antennas offer the and variable electrical tilt configurations. 1710-2200 MHz frequencies. Available in perfect balance between energy efficiency They are built to provide the best network variable electrical tilt dual polarization or and RF performance with advanced performance and coverage and deliver side-by-side quad polarization versions, features, including a new dipole design, a combination of reliability and growth- these antennas include premium improved radiating geometry, and a high adaptability that ensure ongoing cost- performance features, including high performance phase shifter network. They effective operation for small and large upper sidelobe suppression for reduced offer superior gain tracking and best-in- operators alike. They feature: interference, excellent front-to-back class coverage to ensure optimal network ratio, and performance stability across performance for advanced applications, Low Passive Intermodulation (PIM), frequencies. while providing flexibility for future growth. which eliminates system down-time, guarantees high call quality and reduces the number of dropped calls
Excellent upper sidelobe suppression, which allows for high mechanical tilt applications
Wideband frequency performance, which enables a single antenna to be used for a variety of applications, thereby streamlining deployments and reducing inventory LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
4 Ultra-broadband antennas Multiband antennas for ultra-flexible spectrum for multiple applications support
RFS ultra-broadband antennas dramatically RFS also offers multiband antenna options simplify antenna requirements by supporting engineered to help operators further reduce tower a range of LTE-frequencies from 1710 to load and the environmental visual impact of multiple 2700 MHz on a single platform. Ready for antennas on a single tower. RFS multiband antennas LTE testing today, they eliminate the need to optimize base station performance for LTE by replace or add antennas as operators trial and reducing the total number of visible antennas from deploy LTE services at different frequencies. two – and sometimes three or four – to just one. This is achieved by co-locating multiple cross-polarized Available in dual polarization or side-by-side antennas within a single antenna-sized radome. RFS is quad polarization versions, these antennas continually expanding its multiband antenna portfolio feature RFS premium performance: high with a variety of configuration options, including: gain, high upper sidelobe suppression and performance stability across frequencies. They also provide easy Dual band antennas: adjustments, optional remote tilt, and a low-profile design to •790-960MHzwith2300-2700MHz minimize visual impact. The variable electrical tilt feature allows •Two1710-2700MHzultra-broadband the antennas to be adjusted from zero Triple band antennas that combine: to 12 degrees for •Onelowbandwithtwohighbandina1.6m,2.1m,or2.6m enhanced precision enclosure when controlling •Onelowbandwithtwohighband,whichincludeoneLTE800MHz intercell interference. •Onelowband,onehighband,andone2.6,whichincludes800 And the side-by- and 2600 MHz side version gives operators increased Quad band antennas : flexibility to support •Onelowband,twohighband,andone2.6GHz multiple technologies, seamlessly add capacity Hexport antennas: and benefit from •Twohighbandandone2.6GHz additional capabilities. These multiband antenna options provide the widest RF technology range to ensure optimal site fit-out flexibility, and are available with variable electrical tilt capabilities. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
5 Improve coverage with Tower Mounted Amplifiers
To enable operators to further optimize their base station configurations, RFS offers an innovative Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA) platform specifically engineered for LTE applications.
TMAs are used in wireless networks As one of the leading global suppliers to improve coverage by boosting of TMAs, RFS supports the largest base station sensitivity. Higher BTS operators and original equipment sensitivity leads to better voice quality manufacturers. Its renowned TMA and fewer dropped calls. Using a TMA portfolio covers all major bands and The twin TMA module consists of a one can also improve bit rate coverage for applications, and the RFS 2600 LTE dual filter design with two low-noise data transmissions, thereby enhancing TMA is designed to help operators 12 dB gain amplifiers and an auto-bypass coverage and capacity. TMAs can also improve LTE coverage. function. It is available with an Antenna be used to achieve cell enlargement, Interface Standards Group (AISG) detector which allows operators to serve more The RFS 2600 LTE TMA uses a higher and interface towards the base station, subscribers from the same BTS site, level of RF component integration and or a Current Window Alarm (CWA) base ultimately generating additional a new filter tuning concept in a smaller, station interface, if required. network revenue. lighter enclosure than traditional TMAs. This advanced TMA design offers next- generationperformancewith30percent
WITHOUT TMA DL fewer components, thereby reducing DOWNLINK RANGE
WITHOUT TMA UPLINK RANGE UL total weight on a tower. And with fewer CONNECTED components, the 2600 LTE TMA offers
UL improved reliability because there are
UNBALANCED DISCONNECTED LINK BUDGET fewer points of potential failure. RX COVERAGE AREA
TX COVERAGE AREA Finally, as with all RFS TMAs, power distribution units and bias-tees are available as part of a complete RFS DOWNLINK RANGE solution. WITH TMA DL DOWNLINK RANGE
UPLINK RANGE UL WITH TMA CONNECTED
UL
CONNECTED BALANCED LINK BUDGET RX & TX COVERAGE AREA
UPLINK (RX COVERAGE) DOWNLINK (TX COVERAGE)
LTE SOLUTIONS LTE UL DL RFS
6 ShareLite combiners multiply deployment options; divide the costs
RFS also offers diplexers and triplexers engineered to allow several systems to use the same feeder cable between the base station and the antenna. With these combining solutions operators can simultaneously reduce tower load while achieving a corresponding cost savings through a streamlined feeder cable arrangement.
RFS’ ShareLite Combining Solutions All ShareLite combiners are designed efficiently support LTE migration on the cell to exceed industry standards and tower, and are also backwards compatible have been field tested and proven with2Gand3Gfrequencies.Thesolutions’ in deployments around the world to unprecedented compact design allows cell provide maximum performance under tower installation on a swap-out basis, the most extreme operating and boosting service capabilities while avoiding environmental conditions. added weight to the site.
In addition, ShareLite’s very low insertion loss limits the impact on total system loss, ensuring high quality wireless cellular services for years to come.
The complete line of lightweight ShareLite combiners includes diplexers for all bands (LTE700, cellular800, EDD, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS, AWS, UMTS, LTE2.6). Each unit offers extremely low insertion loss and 4 X CABLE DUAL BAND BROADBAND optimized link budget performance, as well as high protection against interference. High power handling capabilities support multiple simultaneous operators and MCPA deployment, and the integrated DC-pass option supports TMA and RET solutions.
LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH SOLUTIONS LTE BAND BAND BAND BAND BAND BAND RFS
7 HYBRIFLEX™ Designed for new RRH deployments
Engineered for maximum flexibility and reliability
RFS also offers innovative, This integrated cabling solution replaces which allows it to be installed like a hybrid cabling solutions traditional multi-cable approaches, conventional coaxial RF cable. And it is engineered to streamline which require additional infrastructure designed to standard RF feeder diameters. components, long site installation times, LTE base station operations. difficult implementation accessories and Therefore, commonly available RFS HYBRIFLEX™ is the first training for installers who must work with CELLFLEX® LCF 1/2-inch and LCF 7/8- hybrid cabling solution the delicate optical fiber. And it is available inch feeder accessories can be used in all ™ to combine optical fiber in1-Sectoror3-Sectorconfigurationsto HYBRIFLEX installations. And to further allow operators to connect up to three simplify installation, HYBBRIFLEX™ is and DC power for Remote sectors with a single, composite cable. delivered pre-connectorized for fiber optic Radio Heads (RRHs) in and DC converters. a single, highly flexible, As a result, HYBRIFLEX™ provides the lightweight aluminum cabling expenditure reductions, ease-of- To ensure lifetime reliability, the corrugated installation and operational efficiency aluminum outer armor provides more corrugated cable that mobile operators need to evolve their durable, lightweight protection than allows operators to ground networks while limiting their power polyethylene tubes and at a much lower the cabling system. It is consumption and carbon footprint cost than cable trays. This armor protects designed specifically for at cellular sites. the power, fiber optic (multi-mode or single-mode) and grounding cables new RRH deployments and HYBRIFLEX™ is engineered to provide during and after installation. In addition, base station upgrades. maximum flexibility at installation and a protective jacket on each individual ongoing reliability long after installation cable pair ensures the inner cables is complete. are suitable for outdoor use.
To simplify installation, the HYBRIFLEX™ corrugated aluminum outer armor offers outstanding bending characteristics,
PE external Optical cable (pair) jacket with an internal jacket (PE)
Aluminium Power cable (pair) OC with an internal jacket (PE) LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
8 Easily migrate to RRHs with DC-FIT™ converter
Designed to reduce upgrade time and costs
Another key component Typically, upgrading or replacing old-style This innovative solution is available for of the RFS portfolio of base stations with the latest base station coaxial cables with a 7/8”, 1-1/4” or RRH solutions is DC-FIT™, architecture requires operators to dismantle 1-5/8” nominal diameter and is already cell sites to install new fiber optics, DC in use around the world. the world’s first Direct power cabling and equipment. This is Current (DC) converter. time consuming and, in many cases, not By reusing existing, deployed coaxial cable This solution dramatically acceptable because operators cannot to transport the DC voltage required by the simplifies upgrades of generate revenue from a site that is off-air. tower top RRH, operators can significantly reduce rollout planning and site preparation existing wireless cell sites. With DC-FIT, operators can avoid time by up to 50 percent. It makes it easier for disruptions in service and quickly migrate operators to migrate to to RRH architectures by leveraging Upgrades are simplified because only two base station architectures existing base station hardware. The DC- DC-FIT converters are required per site. FIT converter is designed to connect a DC In addition, operators do not need to that take advantage of cable with an existing coaxial cable run. It wait for permission from the base station RRH configurations and features innovative technology that turns an site’s landlord to perform upgrades. Plus, fiber optic technologies. existing coaxial foam dielectric feeder into a additional equipment, such as cherry pickers, RRH power supply. As a result, upgrading a is not needed to install the converter. And conventional coax site to RRH technology is the upgrade does not require an extension a breeze, compared to the time-consuming of the cable path for the DC cable, or installation of a new DC cable run. installation of fire protection in the form of wall glands for the power cable.
As a result, DC-FIT allows operators to perform upgrades where and when they need them. This saves time, money, and operational headaches.
Vodafone Germany Leverages DC-FIT for LTE
DC-FIT is being used by operators around the world to simplify upgrades of existing wireless cell sites to RRH configurations. For example, Vodafone Germany is leveraging the benefits of DC-FIT to leverage existing base station hardware as part of its roll out of new technologies, including 4G LTE. More than 6500 units have been installed to date with more on their way as the operator prepares its network to meet subscriber demand for premium services. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
9 Improve backhaul performance with microwave parabolic antennas
A variety of backhaul antennas
Of course, any LTE technology The RFS portfolio of microwave antenna systems migration plan must also includes a comprehensive suite of antennas designed to support tomorrow’s capacity requirements today. consider the backhaul portion Advanced, single- or dual-polarized antennas in a of the network. To truly deliver variety of sizes (1 to 15 ft) are available to support all the advanced applications frequencybandsbetween3.6and80GHz,andin and services subscribers will different performance classes (high, ultra-high and high Cross Polar Discrimination (XPD) performance). use and take advantage of the business benefits LTE RFS CompactLine® antennas with RFS backfire offers, operators must ensure technology feed systems provide an ultra-low-profile their backhaul networks with ultra-high performance in the 6 to 80 GHz range (1 to 6 ft). These antennas can be customized can efficiently support LTE with fittings to allow specific radios and hot- multimedia and data traffic. standby couplers to be mounted directly on the Based on an unrivalled history antenna. This eliminates the need for a waveguide of research and design link between the tower-mounted antenna and equipment building, and simplifies integration innovation, the RFS portfolio with OEM radio systems. of microwave antenna systems addresses all elements of the For network deployments that require larger RF chain for installers, OEM configurations, the RFS microwave antennas product line offers large diameter antennas in integrators and network 8ftto15ftsizestoaccommodate3.6to22GHz operators. It offers a true end- frequencies in all performance classes. to-end, future-proof solution set optimized for all popular All RFS antennas are available with a variety of options, such as advanced mounting microwave radio bands and structures, wind load kits, sway bars, elliptical engineered to deliver premium waveguides, and associated accessories, electrical performance to including connectors, grounding kits and meet the most stringent pressurization equipment. With this total package solution approach operators can wireless transmission network quickly deploy the network upgrades requirements. that will improve network efficiency. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
10 New CompactLine® EASY A complete antenna antennas for optimized portfolio LTE backhaul performance
To truly enable operators to optimize LTE Together with the RFS High XPD antennas, backhaul performance, RFS offers single- which are available in frequency ranges and dual-polarized RFS CompactLine® from4GHzto23GHzandinsizesfrom antennas specifically engineered to support 2 ft to 15 ft, RFS offers one of the most LTE capacity requirements. complete microwave antenna portfolios on the market. This enables operators RFS CompactLine® dual-polarized antennas to address all relevant LTE backhaul are available in a variety of sizes from 1ft to applications today and in the future. 6 ft. They support wideband frequencies up to 11 GHz and narrow band frequencies up to38GHz.Inaddition,forhighfrequency band applications, RFS offers new single- polarized RFS CompactLine® EASY 2 ft antennas that can operate at 42 GHz and in the E-Band (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz).
The RFS CompactLine® EASY antennas are the most compact on the market. They feature a new, deep dish reflector design and compact mount that results in a very low weight configuration, which makes them ideal for deployments where zoning restrictions and tower loading are key considerations. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
11 Extend LTE indoors with RFS wireless indoor solutions
Complete indoor RADIAFLEX® solutions portfolio optimized for LTE
To truly deliver an anywhere and RFS offers complete, best-in-class wireless indoor In addition, the RFS RADIAFLEX® suite of everywhere LTE mobile experience solutions that are LTE-ready, and include a wide radiating cables features RFS’ patented to end users, operators need range of RF broadband passive components for “higher order mode suppression solutions that extend high quality allLTEindoorapplications(2.6GHz,2.3GHz, technique” in radiating cable design. coverage where needed, outdoors 2.1 GHz, as well as 1900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1700 / This unique design allows RFS to offer and indoors. 2100 MHz, 1500 MHz, 900 MHz, 850 MHz, cables that support current and future 700 MHz, and 450 MHz): in-building commercial and private radio The heart of an indoor network services from 698 MHz to 2700 MHz – is typically a broadband passive World class CELLFLEX® and including LTE – for valuable cost savings. distributed antenna system CELLFLEX® LITE low loss feeder cables (DAS), which includes broadband radiating cable or a distributed Leading edge, high performance ® antenna network (RF cables, RADIAFLEX radiating cables splitters, couplers, and indoor Broadband and ultra-broadband antennas). These networks provide indoor antennas contoured RF coverage of a given confined area. To support a variety Broadband and ultra-broadband, of end user applications, they have low insertion loss, indoor passive RF evolved to be ultra-RF broadband components (couplers, splitters) and LTE ready, allowing all services from30MHzto6GHztosharethe These solutions are engineered to provide RADIALFEX® cables also ensure low same passive distribution system. complete LTE coverage and: insertion loss and excellent coupling performance. They feature halogen-free, Wireless indoor solutions Support high data rate applications that will non-corrosive, low-smoke and flame- also incorporate many active be an important source of revenue for operators retardant jacket material for safe and components that must be fully reliable long-term cable operation. functional in all frequencies Reduce costs of infrastructure deployments and bandwidths. These include Prevent interference between technologies repeaters and amplifiers to support and match environment constraints RF-over-fiber systems, which are used in larger buildings and Enable easy migration to future technologies complexes where purely passive infrastructure is insufficient. With these solutions, operators can benefit from the most advanced wireless indoor technology today, confident in the knowledge they can evolve to LTE when the timing is right for their business – without purchasing new hardware. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
12 Support next-generation traffic with high performance transmission lines
Field proven and tested Low loss, transmission line families high strength
Designing better RFS’ CELLFLEX® and CELLFLEX® Lite make The RFS portfolio of LTE transmission performing, more durable up the largest corrugated transmission line solutions also includes a complete and lighter cables is part line portfolio in the wireless infrastructure selection of low loss, high strength industry. These foam dielectric feeder CELLFLEX® Factory Fit jumpers designed of RFS’ long tradition of cables provide a reliable and technically to provide maximum performance innovation leadership. superior solution when used as backbone between transmission lines and antennas Today, RFS provides feeders in cellular radio systems, including or system equipment. transmission line solutions GSM, UMTS, CDMA, PDC, WiMAX, and LTE. In addition, they can be used for They provide excellent contact force, low for any RF application cable antenna arrays, radio equipment and stable intermodulation and superior RF and deployment scenario. interconnections and jumper assemblies. screening, as well as reduced attenuation These end-to-end and low loss in super flexible 1/2”, flexible solutions are designed To enable quick and hassle-free installation, 1/2”, and ultra-flexible 7/8” versions CELLFLEX® and CELLFLEX® Lite combine in a variety of lengths and connector and engineered to support remarkable flexibility with high strength and combinations featuring N-type and 7-16 the next-generation superior electrical performance. Plus, the DIN connectors. Other cable and connector of voice and data-rich entire portfolio is backed by a complete line types are available upon request. wireless services that will of accessories, which includes the industry- leading RFS OMNI FIT™ connectors. RFS also offers phase stabilized versions be enabled by LTE. to reduce phase drift with temperature, and phase matched groups to enable connections to antenna arrays and support “quasi omni” configurations. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE RFS
13 LTE solutions that cover the entire RF-chain
With over 50 years of design and development experience, RFS provides the most comprehensive portfolio of LTE site solutions in the industry. Our LTE offerings cover the entire RF chain, from base station antennas to diplexers and triplexers, feeders, jumpers and tower solutions.
Based on unrivaled knowledge of wireless infrastructure, RFS has a clear vision of its customers’ LTE site optimization needs. That knowledge is matched with extensive experience with LTE trials and deployments worldwide. And it is backed by field tested and proven products optimized to help customers take full advantage of the business opportunities enabled by the improved bandwidth and flexibility LTE offers.
With RFS, wireless network operators can efficiently migrate their networks to LTE while keeping the real estate changes at cell sites to an absolute minimum. This enables operators to optimize each site for today’s network technology, tomorrow’s LTE requirements, and beyond. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE 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. LTE SOLUTIONS LTE 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