It is a crucial component of wireless communication, facilitating the connection between user devices and the core network. It consists of -
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Baseband Unit (BBU)
It is a brain of RAN, responsible for processing the baseband signals, including
- Digital signal processing (DSP) Performing functions like Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Inverse FFT, modulation, and coding.
- Scheduling of resources among users
- Connects towards core network
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Radio Unit (RU)
It is responsible for the radio frequency (RF) processing including:
- Amplification of signals
- Converts digital signals into RF signals and vice versa.
- Ensures that the transmitted signals are within the required frequency band while filtering out noise and interference.
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CPRI Cable (Common Public Radio Interface) in 4G
It is a standard used for communication between the Baseband Unit (BBU) and the Radio Unit (RU). It is fiber optic cable, ensuring high-speed and low-latency transmission.
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Jumpers
Jumpers are short cables used to connect radio unit and the feeder cables. It comes with low loss properties, and are RF coaxial cables capable of handling high-frequency signals.
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Feeders
Feeders are longer coaxial cables that carry RF signals between the radio unit and the antennas. Unlike jumpers, feeders are typically deployed over longer distances with less attenuation.
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Antennas
Antennas are transmitting and receiving RF signals between the mobile devices and the network, determining the coverage area.
Integration of RAN Components (quick recap)
- The BBU processes and prepares the digital signals for transmission.
- The signals are sent via CPRI cables to the RU.
- The RU converts the digital signals into RF signals and amplifies them.
- The RF signals travel through jumpers and feeders to the antennas.
- The antennas broadcast the signals to the surrounding area
Same applies from user device to network.
With the advancement of mobile networks, these components are continually evolving with disaggregation to meet the demand for faster speeds, lower latency.
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