We have all your 4G & 5G cable needs covered for towers, base stations and more
With the need for faster 4G and 5G coverage accelerating, the race is on for operators to build networks that can meet this demand. In this article, we explore the different types of cable required for a typical 4G and 5G base station deployment in the mobile network, and the ways we can help.
4G or LTE is a contemporary standard for low latency and high capacity in the mobile network. Typically the 4G/LTE Base Station (BTS) consists of a Base Band Unit (BBU), several Remote Radio Units (RRU), several antennae and the appropriate cabling. To achieve backhaul into the rest of the mobile network, fibre or microwave radio is used.
The typical vendor equipment used in these networks is Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia; all of which follow a similar format. As we move to the era of 5G, Open RAN is expected to become commonplace. Where equipment from a mixture of different vendors is used together. Here, it will be hugely important for 5G cables and optical transceivers to meet common standards e.g. being MSA compliant.
Here are just some of the cables we offer:
Power and signal cables
These are used to provide reliable power into active network elements such as RRU and BBU. This connection is typically single mode fibre with a suitable outer jacket. A fibre patch panel may also be required to interface multicore fibre cable for connection to Remote Radio Units (RRUs). The RRU can be tower mounted or fixed to a pole, wall or rack.
Benefits:
- Standard IP67 protection
- Signal/power hybrid available
- Shock and vibration protection
- Excellent EMC characteristics
- Over-moulding, making it tamper-proof
Dual coaxial cables
Coaxial cables from each RRU to a single antenna; actually creating the radio coverage around the BTS. This is typically a 7/8” coaxial feeder cable with a suitable outer jacket. Jumper cables can be used at either end for greater flexibility and bend radius.
Microwave backhaul
RG223 cable is used for connection between ODU and IFU for the microwave radio backhaul connection where required.
Patch cables
Patch cables are normally made of coaxial cabling, fibre optic, shielded or unshielded CAT5/5e/6/6A or single-conductor wires. They are made for short distances like connecting a computer to nearby networks, and so most are no longer than two metres.
Get in touch
Every single one of our cables comes with a standard 3-year warranty and can be catalogued, stocked and stored at any of our global locations for immediate shipment.
If you’re thinking about how our customised 4G and 5G cable solutions could help optimise your telecom network, please contact us to talk through your options. We’d love to support all your 4G and 5G cable needs.