Solutions & Applications
Telecom Network Sync · 5G Infrastructure · Data Center Connectivity · Optical Networks · Critical Networks
-40 to +85°CIndustrial Temp Range
1λSingle-Fiber BiDi
25G–100GLine Rates
1. The Challenge
Outdoor Temperature Extremes
Remote Radio Units (RRUs) on towers experience -40°C to +85°C. Commercial-grade optics fail within months. Industrial-temperature (-I) optics are mandatory.
Single-Fiber Constraints
Many tower sites have only one fiber strand to the RRU. BiDi (bidirectional) optics that TX/RX on different wavelengths over a single fiber are essential for these sites.
eCPRI Timing Budgets
25Gbps eCPRI fronthaul links demand sub-microsecond latency and strict jitter control. Optics must maintain clean eye diagrams at industrial temperature extremes.
Multi-Vendor Interoperability
DU and RU equipment from different vendors (Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, Mavenir) must interoperate seamlessly. Optics need broad platform qualification.
2. Fronthaul Architecture
DU ↔ RU link over single fiber or fiber pair, 0–20 km reach, -40 to +85°C hardened:
25G SFP28 BiDi: TX 1270nm / RX 1330nm (or reverse), single fiber, 10–20 km
3. Product Selection Matrix
| Rate | Product | Form Factor | Reach | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25G | 25G SFP28 LR | SFP28 | 10 km SMF | eCPRI fronthaul, CPRI Option 10 |
| 25G | 25G SFP28 BiDi | SFP28 | 10–20 km single fiber | Single-fiber sites, tower-top RRU |
| 50G | 50G SFP56 LR | SFP56 | 10 km SMF | O-RAN 7.2 split, 5G NR carrier aggregation |
| 50G | 50G SFP56 BiDi | SFP56 | 10–20 km single fiber | Fiber-constrained tower sites |
| 100G | 100G QSFP28 LR4 | QSFP28 | 10 km SMF | DU aggregation, high-capacity RRU |
| 100G | 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 | QSFP28 | 2 km SMF | C-RAN hub, DU pool fronthaul |
4. Key Benefits
-40°C industrial-temp rated, outdoor tower deployment
1λ BiDi single-fiber saves 50% fiber cost
<1>latency per optical link (eCPRI compliant)
<0.5%<>3-year field failure rate across deployed base
5. Why Apex
| Capability | Why Apex |
|---|---|
| Industrial temp (-I) | Every fronthaul optic rated -40 to +85°C. Hermetically sealed TO-CAN with expanded-beam connectors for condensation resistance. |
| BiDi single-fiber | TX/RX on 1270/1330nm over a single SMF strand. 10–20 km reach. No external circulator or filter required. |
| eCPRI validated | Pre-tested with leading DU/RU platforms. Maintains clean eye diagram and sub-microsecond latency across full temperature range. |
| Stock availability | 25G/50G/100G fronthaul optics ship from inventory. Same-day dispatch for network rollout and emergency replacements. |
Deploying or expanding a 5G fronthaul network?
Our RAN optics engineers will match transceivers to your DU/RU platform, validate reach budgets, and provide a full fronthaul BOM — typically within 48 hours.
Email: Info@apexallinone.com | WhatsApp/Phone: +852 9821 3834
