RF Test Cables Power 5G Networks

5G technology is rapidly being deployed to provide higher peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, enhanced reliability, massive network capacity and higher availability. However, this requires extensive expansion/upgrade of the existing network infrastructure. For example, 5G networks must be densified to bring signals closer to users, which means more demand for RF Test Cables and more cell sites in more locations.

                                                    
Small cells have emerged as the most practical means of achieving the densification needed to support the speed, coverage and latency requirements of  RF Test Cables. These 5G small cell applications use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas with multiple-input/multiple-output feeds, which greatly increases the number of RF Test Cables. Also, unlike previous generations of cellular technology, which focused on specific frequency bands, 5G handles a much wider range of potential frequencies. For example, 4G frequency bands are typically below 3 GHz. 5G, on the other hand, can range from 450 MHz - 3.9 GHz, and up to 20–56.2 GHz in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band, RF Test Cables. 5G also includes unlicensed frequency bands, such as the 6 GHz band.

                                                  
As a result, 5G antennas are shrinking in size as RF Test Cables in higher frequency bands are being used to meet wider bandwidth requirements, which means more antennas and corresponding RF Test Cables and connectors need to fit in less space power it inside. The equipment is also installed closer together than traditional telecom towers of years ago; sometimes, they are only about 100 yards apart. This requires new RF Test Cables and RF Connectors solutions to provide high signal integrity and reliability in increasingly dense environments.

The combination of a smaller antenna with a large number of RF Test Cables connections also presents unique challenges related to installation, torque, proper weather sealing, and more. There are many variables to consider: is it the correct cable or the correct port? Is the connector properly terminated to the RF Test Cables? Is the coupling tightened properly? Is the whole thing properly weather sealed? Are they connected to the correct connectors and ports? Will they be carried around in the wind? Do they have sun protection, or if not, do they have the proper UV resistance?We will discuss these issues in more depth and provide strategies for mitigating challenges by using RF Test Cables Assemblies solutions designed for the extremely demanding 5G small cell environment.