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
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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.
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.
Built-in monitoring capabilities include signal-strength detectors, RF RMS power measurement and local LED alarms. The microcontroller-based management system supports USB-C connectivity with SNMPv3 readiness, whilst operating across -40°C to +70°C temperature ranges.
‘The new OZ200 product line boosts signal integrity and system performance, supporting a broader RF power range for long-haul fibre transport,’ notes Meir Bartur, president and CEO of Optical Zonu. ‘Delivering ultra-low EVM across a range of 65 dB or more means one device could replace or simplify multiple legacy systems, or enable new remote and UAV configurations.’
Market Applications and Adoption Scenarios
Telecommunications operators deploying CBRS small cell networks face particular challenges. The shared spectrum model requires precise interference management, whilst dense site deployment is complicated by zoning constraints and backhaul limitations. High-range RF-over-fibre links address these issues by maintaining signal quality over extended distances with minimal infrastructure.
Defence and aerospace applications present different requirements. Weight and power consumption matter significantly for UAV payloads, whilst ground-based systems need reliability under extreme conditions. The OZ200’s compact form factor and wide temperature range suit both scenarios.
Recent developments in fibre-optic controlled drones demonstrate growing military interest in cable-based communications for situations where RF jamming poses risks. Such systems require high-performance RF-over-fibre links to maintain signal integrity across extended cable runs.
Network managers increasingly value remote fault detection capabilities. Optical Zonu’s integration with its CloudView network management system provides micro-OTDR fault localisation and terrain-based visualisation – features that reduce maintenance costs and improve uptime.
Deployment Options and Integration Approaches
The OZ200 operates as standalone modules or mounts into four-slot line cards within Optical Zonu’s 19-inch, 3RU J3U chassis. This flexibility allows operators to start small and scale density as needed – up to 64 transmitter or receiver combinations per rack.
For organisations with existing network management infrastructure, the system integrates with established NMS platforms whilst offering CloudView as a comprehensive monitoring solution.
Early adopters typically fall into distinct categories. Telecommunications companies rolling out new small cell networks often implement RF-over-fibre links from the outset, whilst defence contractors may begin with trials in specific applications before broader deployment. Network operators with legacy coaxial systems frequently adopt transitional approaches, replacing the most problematic connections first.
Competitive Context
The RF-over-fibre market includes established players like ViaLite , which offers up to 115 dB/Hz^(2/3) spurious-free range in its L-Band HTS series, and HUBER+SUHNER , known for rugged solutions spanning 1 MHz to 40 GHz.
However, the RF-over-fibre sector faces ongoing challenges balancing performance with cost. Research forecasts indicate CBRS network infrastructure spending will exceed $1.5 billion by 2026, driven by private cellular and 5G buildouts – suggesting substantial demand for high-performance RF transport solutions.
Implementation Realities
Technical performance often collides with operational barriers in network deployments. Procurement teams balance specifications against budgets, whilst field engineers need solutions that work reliably without extensive calibration or maintenance.
Off-the-shelf, manageable modules like the OZ200 may tip the balance for rollouts that previously stalled on complexity or cost grounds. The combination of high range, integrated monitoring and modular deployment addresses multiple concerns simultaneously.
For organisations considering RF-over-fibre implementations, realistic performance expectations matter more than peak specifications. Understanding specific application requirements – whether 5G backhaul, military communications or satellite ground stations – guides appropriate technology selection.
