Cellular network infrastructure presents a lot of challenges for network operators in terms of improving efficiency, increasing capacity to meet mobile device demands, and enhancing the speed of connectivity to accommodate bandwidth intensive applications, to name a few challenges. Cellular network providers constantly face concerns when it comes to radio frequencies and solving issues. More often than not, when one concern is resolved it usually creates another new set of problems to be addressed.
CommScope, a leading provider of end-to-end solutions that implement high performance cellular networks, recently introduced HELIAX 3.0 which is cable of tying all cellular network issues together to form a high performance network that supports new technologies. The solution reduces the common complexities associated with operating a cellular network while allowing for the deployment of new technology in a fast and more efficient manner. It also eliminates the exorbitant costs associated with dealing with network challenges separately.
How HELIAX 3.0 Improves Cellular Networks
Current cellular networks often experience outages and other problems which are mainly due to the use of both coaxial connectivity and hybrid fiber. Hybrid Fiber Coax provides a way to deliver voice, video, and data as well as additional interactive services. These services are delivered over both coaxial and fiber optic cables which makes up the Hybrid Fiber Coax environment. Coaxial and fiber optic is typically integrated separately within a cellular network configuration. This creates numerous problems when it comes to upgrading the networks to accommodate cellular users and ensuring all equipment is compatible with network operations.
Because of the combined use of coaxial and hybrid many upgrades end up in a piecemeal design which causes further problems with efficiency and connectivity. Upgrades that are piecemeal also lead to both short and long term headaches and can compromise connectivity by increasing interference and making the implementation of new installations difficult.
HELIAX solves these issues while controlling the costs with a unified cellular network that operates efficiently. First the HELIAX 3.0 configuration combines the coaxial and hybrid fiber into one cable that is capable of increasing the performance of the network while also increasing efficiency and capacity. This also reduces costs associated with making transitions and upgrades to the network as new technologies evolve.
The HELIAX 3.0 cable has a very durable design which guards against outages and reduces costs associated with performing repairs which result from damage. Without going into a lot of technical jargon the cable which combines the power conductors and fiber is designed with a rugged exterior that can withstand lightning and other threatening elements along with moisture protection materials that guard each fiber component in the line.
The trademark Remote Fiber Feeder cable designed by CommScope is offered in single-mode or in multi-mode with additional fiber in addition to a variety of power conductor designs to support a broad range of radio devices. The redundancy feature which is also built into the cable provides for future growth in LTE and WiMAX connections.
HELIAX FXL
For the cellular networks which require a radio frequency transmission with lower loss, CommScope has designed another series known as HELIAX FXL which provides a cable connection which is 30 percent lighter in weight and is 70 percent more flexible than the HELIAX 3.0 design. Despite being lighter weight the HELIAX FXL cable has a crush resistance of up to 200 percent.
The HELIAX FXL series integrates a specific type of foaming technology that provides complete weatherproofing and prevents moisture from entering the cable components. The FXL configuration also utilizes durable connectors that ensure long term pressure which holds the cable contacts in place in the event of inclement weather conditions or tower vibrations. CommScope has currently implemented the HELIAX FXL configuration with leading cellular network operators around the globe installing more than one hundred million feet of cable to improve cellular carrier services.
HELIAX 3.0 is based on the trademarked Andrew Solutions connectivity which provides a broad range of high end connectivity solutions which include broadband, location systems, radio frequency site solutions, spectrum management, coaxial and fiber solutions, and patching, as well as a variety of customized solutions that meet the individual needs of cellular network operators.
Because 4G connectivity is rapidly growing the demands for high performance cellular network capabilities accompany 4G growth. This results in complex network infrastructures which increase costs due to the number of issues involved with a piecemeal infrastructure. In addition to this challenge, network operators are facing issues in terms of conserving bandwidth while delivering high end service to cellular network users. This means the cellular network operators must make the right decisions when it comes to investing in the proper infrastructure without breaking the budget.
For these reasons, more cellular network operators are seeking versatility and scalability without compromising network performance which must address the high speed demands of new applications. HELIAX 3.0 represents a viable answer to the demands placed on network operators as new technologies evolve with the increased availability of 4G connectivity.
CommScope provides a comprehensive catalog on their website that is useful for cellular network operators from individual connectivity parts to complete transmission line systems. The company currently accommodates many of the needs of major cellular network carriers to help provide high performance services to the mobile consumer.