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CPRI Fiber vs FTTA Fiber: Core Differences

CPRI Fiber vs FTTA Fiber: Core Differences

Introduction

CPRI and FTTA fiber optic cables are widely used in BBU+RRU distributed base station fronthaul for 2G/3G/4G/5G mobile networks. Many telecom buyers confuse these two concepts, as most products can carry both names. Fundamentally, they are categorized by different standards: FTTA is defined by networking structure, while CPRI is defined by transmission protocol.

1. Basic Definition

FTTA Fiber Optic Cable

FTTA stands for Fiber To The Antenna. It refers to all optical cables deployed to connect room-installed BBU and outdoor tower/roof-mounted RRU, RRH or antenna units. Its classification depends on installation layout and application scene, with no restriction on inner transmission protocol.

CPRI Fiber Optic Cable

CPRI stands for Common Public Radio Interface. It specifically describes fiber cords designed to transmit CPRI radio baseband signals between BBU and RRU. Classification is based on the built-in transmission protocol, mainly applied on legacy 2G/3G/4G base station links.

2. Inclusion Logic: All CPRI Cables Belong to FTTA Cables, Not Vice Versa

Legacy 2G/4G Macro Station Cables

Nokia FUF series, Ericsson RPM253 series and Huawei numbered CPRI patch cords are typical dual-purpose cables. They comply with CPRI protocol and serve FTTA antenna pullback layout at the same time.
FTTA Cables Without CPRI Protocol

5G eCPRI & ORAN fiber for AAU remote installation
Indoor DAS fiber transmitting Ethernet data
Multi-core bundled field fiber for integrated antenna networking

These cables work for FTTA construction but cannot be defined as CPRI fiber.

3. Key Specification Comparison

Comparison Item	CPRI Fiber Cable	FTTA Fiber Cable
Classification Basis	CPRI fixed transmission protocol	Fiber-to-antenna deployment mode
Supported Signal	Only CPRI signal up to 9.8Gbps	CPRI / eCPRI / Ethernet / ORAN
Fiber Core	Mostly duplex 2-core (Tx & Rx), SM/MM optional	2-core,4-core,8-core,12-core various cores
Regular Connectors	DLC duplex LC, NSN Uniboot, LC-FC	LC/SC/FC/MPO multiple options
Applicable Equipment	Traditional RRU/RRH & BBU	RRU,5G AAU, indoor small cell, DAS antenna

4. Purchase Reference

For 2G/3G/4G network maintenance and spare parts: Search by either CPRI or FTTA keyword for Nokia/Ericsson/Huawei original fiber.
For new 5G site construction: eCPRI fiber is FTTA-only without CPRI specification.
For indoor coverage project: DAS cabling counts as FTTA accessory instead of CPRI product.

5. About Skyward Telecom

Skyward Telecom supplies full-series original CPRI and FTTA fiber optic cables including mainstream Nokia FUF, Ericsson RPM253 and Huawei models, with full lengths from 10m to 200m in stock. Customization on cable length, connector type and outer jacket is available per customer project demands. We are your reliable supplier for base station fiber spare parts and new network deployment.