Fiber optic solutions for backhaul and beyond determine wireless network success, especially for next-gen wireless

Fiber has become a bigger discussion point for next-gen wireless deployment than many envisioned. Due to 5G’s latency and bandwidth demands, fiber must extend throughout the network. As 6G technology roles out, this will become even more critical.

Depending on the equipment and services, the number of fibers per wireless site varies. Still, fiber is the only feasible option to deliver the necessary bandwidth for fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul.

Getting large amounts of fiber out to these sites is a daunting task that can involve permitting, road construction, coordination, and labor. Once the 5G fiber is deployed, fiber cables must attach to radios, providing the 5G services. Simplifying this process reduces installation and restoration time in your 5G — and upcoming 6G — deployments.

1. Simplify 5G fiber deployment from the ground up

   A true FTTx solution supports the unique deployment needs of the wireless internet service provider, engineer, and network designer. Simplicity in design delivers cost-effective, technician-friendly solutions. Couple this with the flexibility to deploy the product platform in a full range of fiber applications, including FTTx, cell backhaul, distributed antenna, node collapse, or other premise and commercial environments. The result is a faster start to your wireless project, simplified troubleshooting, and more reliable operation.

   At Clearfield, one example of streamlined design is the Clearview® Cassette. Field-engineered to handle the toughest operating environments, the Clearview Cassette provides flexibility and reliable performance within the inside plant, outside plant and access networks. All types of fiber cable construction can integrate within these fiber cassettes to support essentially any scenario, including:

   • Patch only
   • Patch-and-splice
   • Passive optical component hardware
   • Plug-and-play scenarios

2. Speed up turn-up with plug-and-play fiber

   Plug-and-play technology significantly speeds up next-gen wireless fiber builds. Instead of conventional splices, plug-and-play technology uses outside plant-rated connections. This creates opportunities to save time during initial turn-up. Just as important, it also accelerates troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational moves, adds, and changes (MACs).

   With plug-and-play solutions, you avoid the need to place splice closures throughout the access network that require a trained splicing technician to open and splice. Instead, you can place a terminal, which is essentially a sealed patch field that almost anyone can patch into, simply by using a terminated fiber drop cable.

   In fact, we’ve seen many 5G applications use terminals the same way traditional FTTH deployments do. The fiber tail of the terminal splices to a distribution cable passing through the serving area during the initial installation. To turn up a radio, a non-splicing technician can install an LC Duplex patch cable from the terminal to each radio. The design principle won’t change when 6G rolls out.

   In addition, techs don’t necessarily have to install the terminal during a dedicated service window. It’s not necessary to open a splice case and manipulate fibers that are currently not in service. The terminal sits in a separate, safe location. So, it can connect fiber into the wireless network without a chance of harming other critical circuits on the distribution fiber.

3. Accelerate wireless network restoration time

   Storms, construction errors, and accidental damage will occur — both when deploying 5G fiber and after. Faster restoration times not only cut costs but also reduce customers’ frustration when service is down. Using craft-friendly products limits the need for highly trained technicians and gets customers up and running faster.

   Our FieldShield D-ROP cable has the same footprint as a flat drop cable, with the added advantage of restorability. With D-ROP, a technician uses a kit to easily repair microduct after an accidental fiber cut. Then the technician installs a new pushable assembly, minimizing costs and time to restore the service outage. This provides a completely protected pathway from the access point directly to the premise, business, or antenna.

Ready to build high-performance wireless networks? Tell Clearfield how we can help.