Fiber to the Antenna : a closer look at benefits and issues in integrated optical and wireless networks

Abstract

With the fast-growing technology in the communication industry, demand for speed and mobility of the data exchange throughout the world is accelerating in an incredible rate. To meet such demand a need for the integration for the wireless network enhancing mobility and fiber network enhancing speed has become a necessity. Hence, in our thesis work we have done an extensive research evaluating all the drawbacks and advantages of each of the two networks separately and also went through the latest developments of their integration. After studying we have found Fiber to the Antenna Solution (FTTA), which has proved to be a very promising solution to our problems. Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) solution in integrated optical and wireless networks brings significant benefits offering speed and mobility in communications. However, there are some unavoidable issues that field engineers constantly experience while implementing physical components of FTTA systems at cell sites. In this thesis paper, we study FTTA architecture, physical components, benefits and implementation issues very closely. The benefits of FTTA using Radio over Fiber technology are highlighted. Also, the implementation issues with power, environmental protection, surge protection etc. are analyzed thoroughly with currently available solutions in the market.