1. What is FTTA?
- FTTA “Fiber To The Antenna” is a new modern wireless network architecture using fiber optic cables to connect antennas directly to base stations from BBU. It is replacing the copper coax for higher bandwidth, lower latency (crucial for 4G/5G). Use the fiber optic cable with less weight, better energy efficiency (ambient cooling), and improved signal quality, it allows for more compact, lighter, and capable cellular towers.
- FTTA solutions typically use CPRI patch cord (that termination with DLC connector-compatible with Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson equipment) to connect the BBU to the RRH, thereby increasing transmission speed and enabling a wider, faster, and more stable wireless network coverage area.
- On FTTA solution, the optical fiber runs up the tower to a Remote Radio Head (RRH) near the Antenna, handling digital signals; power is delivered via a separate conductor or integrated into the fiber cable.
2. FTTA solution key advantages:
- About Bandwidth & Speed: Supports massive data demands of 4G/5G.
- About Weight & Wind Load: Lighter fiber cables reduce tower stress and wind resistance.
- About Energy Efficiency: RRHs at height use natural air cooling, saving power.
- About Signal Integrity: Less signal degradation and noise compared to copper.
- About Installation: Easier, faster installation with smaller, lighter cables.
- About Flexibility: Baseband units (BBUs) can be centralized, simplifying tower top equipment.
3. FTTA Network Structure
The following stages are generally involved in the transmission of a signal from a base band unit (BBU) to the Antenna (4G, 5G tower):
| Section | Function | Key products |
| Baseband Unit Room (Baseband unit) | Controls RRU and processes baseband signals | BBUFiber optic patch panel
Outdoor Fiber Cable |
| RRU (Fiber transmission) / BBU-RRU | Transfers RRU baseband signals via fiber | BS Remote Optic Cable Patch CordFTTA Connectors (PDLC, NSN, ODVA, FullAXS, Mini SC, OptiTap, etc)
FTTA Multi-function Box |
| RRU (Remote Radio Unit) | Converts optical signal to RF signals | RRHRRH Mounting Bracket |
| RRU – Antenna(RF Transmission) | The antenna receives the RF signals | Feeder CableAntenna Feeder Jumper |
| Antenna | Wireless signals: Transmitting and receiving | AntennaSurge Protector |
In a 4G Base Station, fiber (FTTA)connects the BBU with the RRU. RF feed cables connect the antenna.
In 5G (AAU architecture), the BBU, RRU, and antenna combine to form a DU. The RRU and antenna are integrated into an AAU using an all-fiber connection in order to minimize RF losses and boost performance.
4. What KCO Fiber can do for you?
KCO Fiber will be your reliable FTTA fiber optic product supplier. We can supply full series of FTTA related fiber optic product for you such as:
- Fiber optic cable ( Outdoor fiber optic cable, ftth drop cable, armored fiber optic cable, field fiber optic cable, etc)
- Outdoor fiber optic patch cord (CPRI patch cord, Outdoor patch cord with connector compatible with Fullaxs, NSN, Mini SC, OptiTap, PDLC, ODVA, etc)
- Multi-function fiber optic box for outdoor
- PLC splitter, MPO multi-fiber outdoor patch cord, etc
Post time: Jan-15-2026
