Optical network problems in 5G Radio Access Networks

Abstract

When telecommunication networks evolved rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s, only backbone networks used optical data transmission technologies. Nowadays, the situation has changed; access networks also use a significant amount of optical data transmission infrastructure. The connection between different equipment in the radio access network of mobile networks - especially the 5th generation (5G) networks - is provided by optical fiber cables. The small cell radio units (RU) is also using optical connections. There is pressure in operation: service providers must install these optical networks in large quantities at the possible lowest prices. Many mistakes can be made during the installation of the optical cable as a data transmission medium, our article will highlight these errors. We developed a training environment demonstrating the most common installation errors and how to recognise indicators and measure parameters. The training environment is suitable for professionals to prepare for optics installation and avoid typical mistakes.