Copper-free data and power link transforms antenna technology

HUBER+SUHNER has launched enhancements to the world’s first truly copper-free fibre powered link, providing significant improvements to precise timing synchronisation for high-performance networks.

The HUBER+SUHNER Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Power-over-Fibre solution brings pre-, during, and post installation benefits to telecommunications providers working in the 5G and data centre space. Using fibre optics as a means of power for the antenna brings cost and timing savings during installation and operation, as no power distribution is needed on a building’s roof.

Traditionally, power is carried over copper technology with a GNSS antenna. This often requires a power cable to be attached alongside the signal distribution cable. The GNSS and Power-over-Fibre solution from HUBER+SUHNER eliminates the need for a separate power cable by utilising the fibre optic connection to the antenna as a means of power and signal distribution.

GNSS and Power-over-Fibre solutions enable an increased distance of a few kilometres between source and receiver system, compared to a few meters previously. Satellite signals cannot usually reach indoor locations due to the blocking effect of the building structure but combining this with fibre distribution internally, this solution is able to distribute the GNSS signals to all corners of a building interior, providing a more secure, reliable, and flexible connection.

Using the fibre as a means of power distribution also offers unlimited safe and secure timing signal reference distribution, with reduced interference. Providers can also take advantage of its ability to make use of existing infrastructure, by only having to pay for what is used within the network and being ‘future-proof ready’, with easy and flexible expansion opportunities.