subject: Cool RF over Fiber technology - secret cost reduction method [print this page] Cool RF over Fiber technology - secret cost reduction method
When one wants to install an antenna remote from the radio unit, their connectivity is always a big issue. If the frequency is low, coaxial cables can be used. Higher frequencies require expensive waveguides.
The main limitations of these technologies are their costs, and RF loss. Both increase significantly as the frequency goes up, and the distance is longer.Long lengths of coaxial cables, such as might be required in tunnels or building-to-building, rapidly become cost prohibitive, especially if in-line RF amplifiers are required.
In recent years, fiber optic cables have become popular for communication purposes. Their prices are cheap, they are easy to install, and can be rented as "dark fiber" from service providers. In many cases, buildings have fiber installed in them from day one.
Innovative technology that has been developed in recent years, presents a great new alternative to traditional RF connectivity. Since optical fiber has very low loss, it makes sense to use a RF to Fiber converter, and then deliver the radio signals over fiber. This allows a RF system designer to connect a long distance between an antenna and the RF unit, in a very low cost.
Another huge benefit is the fact that fiber does not 'leak' or couple RF signals. This makes the RF over fiber converters and great solution when routing through noisy RF environments or running long lengths parallel.
Utility companies see that transferring RF over a solution that does not have any electrical conductivity may also be beneficial in some specific locations.
