FullAXS Connector Seals Optical and Power Connections in Outdoor Cable Assembly

The new FullAXS connector seals optical and power connections in outdoor cable assemblies. The connector design has a large tolerance in the z-direction and allows one-handed mating.

This waterproof field assembly fast connector is used to connect LC duplex and MTP/MPO type of connectors to Ericsson Remote Radio Head (RRH). It mates directly into the SFP on the panel of the RRH.

FTTA (Fiber To The Antenna)

FTTA is the latest technology trend in wireless communications, replacing coax cable to the antenna with optical fiber. It’s an easy upgrade to new cell towers, and can be used to replace coax on existing towers. FTTA fullx-fullaxs-outdoor-fiber-cable-assembly allows network operators to increase capacity, future-proof the tower, and reduce maintenance costs.

Compared to coax, optical fiber has greater transmission speeds and less signal loss. It’s also lighter and more resistant to weather. This makes it easier to install, and less prone to damage from gusts of wind. In addition, FTTA uses smaller cables with fewer connections, reducing installation time and simplifying testing and troubleshooting.

In a FTTA configuration, the baseband unit (BBU) is connected via fiber to a remote radio head (RRH), which then connects to the antenna. The short span between RRH and antenna eliminates the need for tower amplifiers, cutting energy costs and allowing RRHs to be positioned at the top of the tower, where they can leverage environmental cooling.

In a FTTA installation, fiber optic connectors are typically fusion or mechanical spliced to a pre-terminated fiber stub. To ensure that the connection is strong and reliable, the stub should be coated with an appropriate splice seal. Regardless of the type of termination, it’s critical that each connection be tested after installation to verify proper connection and performance. VIAVI offers a complete line of test instruments and meters to help you meet the challenge of fiber-to-the-antenna installations, from insertion loss testing to OTDR tests.

Outdoor

Outdoor fiber cables are able to sustain unstable environmental conditions and broad operating temperature ranges. They can be used in FTTx and telecom installation markets, smart grids, power distribution networks, broadcasting, security and industrial applications. These cables are available in different types and styles, depending on the operating environment. Some of the most common include loose tube and flat drop cable, micro and breakout cables. Loose tube cables have a buffer tube containing loose 250mm fibers, while the others have the fibers arranged around a central strength member.

Pre-terminated fiber optic assemblies are a cost-effective solution to traditional splicing and connectorization in the field. They are made to order, reducing the amount of excess cable that is discarded. They also offer better quality and reliability than on-site terminations. LANshack provides test results with each cable assembly, helping reduce the chance of errors during on-site work.

FTTA outdoor cable assemblies can be used to connect network equipment in remote radio head (RRH) locations. The assemblies are factory-terminated with LC duplex FullAXS connectors, which provide a seal against dust and water in harsh environments. The FullAXS connectors mate directly into the SFP panel at the RRH, eliminating the need for a transition splice to indoor-rated cable.

Our outdoor fiber cable assemblies are built to a specified length and are fully tested on premium test equipment. They are sealed with heat-shrink tubing and a glue set to protect the connectors from environmental conditions. This ensures the integrity of each assembly before, during and after a pull. The spliced end is finished with furcation tubing, which is color coded or sequentially labeled for easy identification and added durability.

Optical

FullAXS is a rugged field-assembled connector that seals out dust and water for LC duplex optical fiber and electrical interfaces. It is designed to plug directly into SFP modules at the panel of Remote Radio Units (RRU/RRH), reducing the time and cost to deploy drop cables in FTTA connectivity designs.

The connector sealing system is designed to function with a large tolerance in the Z-direction, accommodating the widest selection of transceiver types. This is important to help avoid costly field modifications that can degrade the performance of optical fibers.

The tight-buffered cable design also helps protect individual optical fibers from stresses of routing, handling and connection. The cable structure uses yarn strength members that keep tensile load away from the fibers, rather than the more common method of placing fibers inside a plastic buffer tube.

The cable assemblies feature a rugged metal die-casting plug that is waterproof, dust-proof and corrosion resistant, providing a long indoor-outdoor-armored-fiber-optic-cable-cable life in harsh environments. The polarization-maintaining sleeve provides superior optical performance, and the high-temperature, low-loss metallization maintains optimum electrical properties. The unique receptacle shape allows easy mating and disconnects, with minimal force. This allows for fast, reliable connections, even in cold temperatures. It also eliminates the need for field cleaving, which produces small glass fragments that can damage the optical fibers. This reduces maintenance and operation costs and extends the lifespan of the optical fibers.

Electrical

FullAXS Mini and standard FullAXS connector sealing systems and cable assemblies provide a rugged FTTA solution for outdoor wireless applications. They are rated IP67 and can operate in a wide range of temperatures, including exposure to salt-mist and humidity. They are also UL 94-V0 compliant and meet all applicable lightning strike requirements.

Often used for Ericsson Remote Radio Head (RRH) FTTA connectivity, the FullAXS shell encloses duplex LC connectors to plug directly into the SFP module in the panel of the RRH. The connectors are sealed against dust and water to meet a wide range of environmental conditions.

The FullAXS connector has a large tolerance in the Z-direction, which provides flexibility for end users to choose any FTTA transceiver they desire. The mated connectors are firmly established with a robust bayonet locking system.