What Is CPRI Cable?

What Is CPRI Cable?

CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) cable is a specialized fiber optic cable assembly used to connect baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) in wireless communication networks. Below are the key points about CPRI cables:

What’s the Purpose of CPRI Cable ?

CPRI cables provide the physical layer interface for transporting digitized radio signals between the BBU and RRU in mobile networks like 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. They replace traditional coaxial cables used for this fronthaul connection.

1.Transmitting digitized radio data from the BBU to the RRU for wireless transmission over the air interface.

2.Carrying control and management signals between the BBU and RRU for coordinating radio operations.

3.Providing a standardized digital optical interface between the BBU and RRU, allowing flexible deployment of remote radio heads.

4.Enabling fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) architectures where the BBU can be centralized while the RRUs are distributed closer to the antennas

What Are the Specifications of CPRI Cable?

CPRI is an evolving specification defined by a consortium of OEMs like Ericsson, Huawei, NEC, and Nokia to standardize the BBU-RRU interface. It defines the transport, connectivity, and control communication criteria.

1.Connector Types: CPRI cables typically use duplex LC connectors, which are small form-factor push-pull connectors suitable for high-density interconnections. Other connector types like SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) may also be used.

2.Fiber Types: CPRI cables support multi-mode fiber optic cables but do not support single-mode fibers. This is because CPRI is designed for short-distance fronthaul connections between BBUs and RRUs.

3.Environmental Ratings: Typical environmental ratings include IP67 protection for waterproofing, salt mist resistance, humidity resistance, and dust resistance.

4.Mechanical Durability: CPRI cables are rated for mechanical durability, with specifications like 500 cycle mechanical life for the connectors

What’s the CPRI Cable Design?

CPRI cables typically have a duplex LC connector interface and are available in single-mode and multi-mode fiber variants. They are designed for outdoor use with features like waterproofing, dust-proofing, armored jackets, and ruggedized housings.

What Are the Applications of CPRI Cable?

CPRI cables are widely used in fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) deployments, base stations, and other outdoor telecom applications requiring fronthaul connectivity between BBUs and RRUs.

1.Fiber-to-the-Antenna (FTTA) Deployments: CPRI cables are widely used in FTTA architectures, where the baseband unit (BBU) can be centralized while the remote radio units (RRUs) are distributed closer to the antennas. This simplifies installation and reduces costs.

2.Base Stations: CPRI cables provide the fronthaul connection between the BBU and RRU in mobile base stations, enabling the transmission of digitized radio signals and control/management data.

3.CATV Systems: CPRI cables find applications in cable television (CATV) systems, facilitating the transmission of video and data signals.

4.LAN Optical Fiber Networks: CPRI cables can be used in local area network (LAN) optical fiber networks for data and communication purposes.

What Are the Advantages of CPRI Cable?

Compared to traditional RF-based distributed antenna systems, CPRI-fed solutions offer simplified installation, improved performance, and lower overall costs by providing a direct digital optical link from the BBU to the antenna system.

1.Low Latency: CPRI cables, particularly those using optical fiber, provide low latency connectivity between the baseband unit (BBU) and remote radio head (RRH), which is crucial for real-time data transfer in telecommunications networks.

2.Standardization and Interoperability: CPRI is an industry-standard interface, enabling interoperability between equipment from different vendors, promoting vendor neutrality and reducing integration complexities.

3.Flexibility: CPRI offers flexibility in terms of supported data rates, accommodating different wireless communication standards (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) and network requirements.

4.Enabling Fiber-to-the-Antenna (FTTA) Architectures: CPRI cables facilitate FTTA deployments, where the BBU can be centralized while the RRHs are distributed closer to the antennas, simplifying installation and reducing costs.

To Sum Up, CPRI cables are specialized fiber optic assemblies that enable the standardized digital fronthaul interface between baseband units and remote radio units in modern mobile networks, replacing legacy analog RF connections