Fiber to the Antenna: Solution in integrated optical and wireless networks

Abstract

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 paper, we study FTTA architecture, physical components, benefits and its implementation issues very closely. The implementation issues with power, environmental protection, surge protection etc. are analyzed thoroughly with currently available solutions in the market. Some constructive ideas on resolutions to those issues are also analyzed. Our analysis in this paper can be useful for planning a better implementation process without having major issues in the near future. This paper is a result of an undergraduate senior research project.