Axis Network Technology Launches LTE Remote Radio Head Platform

(Product News, 19 Nov 2008)

Axis Network Technology (AxisNT) has launched a family of Remote Radio Heads (RRH) for OEM deployment of LTE networks worldwide. Rated at 20W output power, the LTE platform is based on the same innovative design principles as AxisNT's WiMAX RRH, which is already being manufactured and shipped in volume worldwide.

The LTE RRHs provide 2x10W at 64QAM of diversity multi-carrier RF power using AxisIPR advance amplifier technology, operating over the 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz E-UTRA frequency bands. The units can be customised to meet the specific interface and packaging requirements of the OEM. Designing LTE basestations using a distributed RRH approach with highly efficient digital-to-RF conversion and amplification considerably reduces both CAPEX and OPEX of the overall system as well as maintenance costs, and accelerates time-to-deployment.

The use of an RRH allows the radio to be located alongside the antennas and physically separate from the basestation (BTS), removing the losses associated with long cable runs—typically around 3dB per cable—by replacing them with an optical fibre data interface. Consequently a single MIMO RRH, with 10W output power will provide greater coverage than a 40W SISO ground based BTS, with power and energy consumption reduced to a fraction of the cost. The AxisNT RRH offers flexible multi-gigabit BTS connections, communicating via OBSAI, CPRI or custom OEM fibre interfaces.

"We are already hearing from our WiMAX customers how effective our RRHs are in reducing their deployment costs and speeding rollout of their networks," comments Michel Vieuxmaire, Sales Director of AxisNT. "Now OEMs developing networks for LTE will be able to enjoy the same benefits, with RRHs customised to their own mechanical and interface requirements."

AxisNT RRHs feature automatic calibration for transmit, receive and PA bias control loops; OBSAI RP3-01 and CPRI V2 digital baseband interfaces with one or two optical connectors; very high reliability including an advanced failure mode prediction capability, as well as inherent fibre and RF redundancy.

Support for Adaptive Antenna Systems (AAS) and AISG v2.0 antenna control is provided, and the unit features a compact, lightweight modular design in a die-cast enclosure, with solar shield for outdoor use.

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