Sharper Signals, Smaller Footprint: A Technical Performance That Addresses Real Problems
Explore how RF-over-fibre links optimise 5G, defence and UAV networks by enhancing signal quality, reducing noise and supporting flexible deployments
Telecoms and defence networks face an uncomfortable truth: as demand grows for more bandwidth, less noise and higher flexibility in both urban and remote infrastructure, physical transmission hardware often presents the biggest bottleneck in performance. Dense 5G small cell deployments require pristine signal quality across congested spectrum bands like C-band and CBRS, whilst military phased arrays and UAV systems need lightweight, interference-resistant links that maintain precision under extreme conditions.
The challenge isn’t just technical – it’s operational. Network operators juggle legacy systems with new deployments, seeking solutions that can replace multiple devices without compromising signal integrity or requiring complete infrastructure overhauls.
Why Signal Quality Metrics Matter to Business Operations
Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and range aren’t abstract engineering concepts – they directly determine whether networks function reliably in real-world conditions. EVM measures how far transmitted signals deviate from their ideal positions, whilst range indicates how well a system handles both weak and strong signals simultaneously without distortion.
In 5G cellular backhaul, poor EVM translates to dropped connections and reduced data rates. Military phased array systems require consistent signal quality across wide power ranges to maintain radar accuracy. Satellite ground stations need clean signals to distinguish weak satellite transmissions from terrestrial interference.
‘Low EVM is critical for reliable cellular coverage since it directly impacts signal quality and data integrity,’ explains Farzad Ghadooshahy, CTO of Optical Zonu. The company recently launched its OZ200 product line targeting these exact pain points.
Research from ScienceDirect confirms that RF-over-fibre technology outperforms coaxial cables in EVM and adjacent channel leakage ratio, particularly above 5 GHz frequencies – precisely where 5G and modern defence systems operate.
Technical Performance That Addresses Real Problems
The OZ200 line delivers more than 65 dB range across frequencies from 30 MHz to 6 GHz, with operation extending down to 500 KHz. For dense 256 QAM applications, it achieves EVM below 2% whilst supporting even higher-order modulations.
These specifications matter because they enable one device to handle tasks that previously required multiple systems. The precision gain tuning – available in manual or automatic modes – allows operators to optimise performance for specific applications without field recalibration.
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