Do You Know RRU Cables?
With the full rollout of 5G networks and accelerated R&D of 6G technology, global mobile communication base station construction has entered a new peak period. Today, as the distributed base station architecture has become the absolute mainstream, RRU cables (Remote Radio Unit cables) are the core supporting components for stable base station operation, yet they are often overlooked. A substandard RRU cable can lead to poor signal coverage, network lag, abnormal VSWR, or even base station downtime, directly affecting communication service quality and user experience. Today, we will take you through the core value of RRUs and RRU cables, along with mainstream model references for Nokia and Ericsson.
1. What is an RRU? What is Its Core Purpose?
An RRU, short for Remote Radio Unit, is a core component of modern mobile communication base stations.
Traditional base stations adopted an integrated "baseband + radio frequency" design, where all equipment was centralized in the equipment room and connected to antennas via long feeders of tens or even hundreds of meters, resulting in significant signal loss, inflexible deployment and high operation and maintenance costs. In contrast, the now globally adopted BBU+RRU distributed architecture splits the base station into two independent units:
- BBU (Baseband Unit): Centrally deployed in the central equipment room, responsible for calculation, encoding and processing of baseband signals
- RRU (Remote Radio Unit): Deployed remotely on towers, rooftops, poles and other locations close to antennas, responsible for converting digital signals from the BBU into radio frequency signals, amplifying them and transmitting them through antennas; simultaneously receiving radio frequency signals from mobile phones and terminals, converting them into digital signals and sending them back to the BBU
The core advantage of this architecture is that it greatly shortens the length of radio frequency feeders, reducing signal loss by more than 90%, while enabling flexible network coverage—whether in remote mountainous areas, dense urban high-rise areas, underground parking lots or along high-speed railways, precise deployment can be achieved. Currently, all 4G, 5G and pre-research 6G base stations worldwide adopt this BBU+RRU distributed architecture.
2. RRU Cables: The "Nerves and Blood Vessels" of Base Stations, Indispensable
RRU cables are not a single cable, but a general term for all dedicated cables connecting RRUs to other equipment. They are like the "nerves" and "blood vessels" of base stations, undertaking key functions such as high-speed signal transmission, power supply, remote control and safety grounding, and none of them can be missing. Below are the core functions of various types of cables and mainstream commonly used models for Nokia（cables） and Ericsson（cables）:
1. CPRI/eCPRI Optical Fiber (Core Signal Cable)
- Function: Connects BBU and RRU to transmit high-speed digital baseband signals, serving as the "main artery" of base station data transmission
- Features: Adopts single-mode G.652D optical fiber, supports CPRI (4G) and eCPRI (5G) protocols, with a transmission distance of over 10km, low latency, high bandwidth and strong anti-interference capability
-
Mainstream Brand Common Models:
- Ericsson: RPM2531610/10m, RPM2531610/50m, RPM2531610/100m (FullAXS patented waterproof interface, IP67 protection), RPM2533577/00100 (2-core outdoor armored single-mode optical fiber), RPM2533578 (4-core outdoor optical fiber)
- Nokia: 471396A (ODVA interface CPRI optical fiber), NSN standard duplex LC waterproof jumper (compatible with all AirScale series RRUs), 472582A supporting optical fiber
2. RRU DC Power Cable
- Function: Provides -48V DC power supply for RRUs on towers, serving as the "energy line" of base stations
- Features: Dual-core shielded design, adopts low-smoke halogen-free flame-retardant materials, resistant to high and low temperatures (-40°C to +85°C), anti-aging, UV-resistant, and can operate stably for a long time in harsh outdoor environments
-
Mainstream Brand Common Models:
- Ericsson: RPM777528/1.5m, RPM777528/5m, RPM777528/10m (STYLE3 dual-core DC cable), RPM777193/00200, RPM777526/01000 (compatible with Baseband 6630/6648), RPM777612 (high-current power cable)
- Nokia: 995281A, 995281B (compatible with all AirScale series RRUs, support high-current power supply, customizable lengths)
3. RF Jumper
- Function: Connects RRU and antenna to transmit radio frequency signals, directly affecting the transmission and reception efficiency of antennas
- Features: Commonly uses 1/2" super flexible and 7/8" ordinary coaxial cables, low loss, high shielding, VSWR ≤1.15, with waterproof sealed connectors
-
Mainstream Brand Common Models:
- Ericsson: RPM777 01/00130 (13cm short jumper), RPM777278/00650 (65cm signal cable),
- Nokia: FPCC 472823A DC coaxial cable， (1/2" super flexible, N-type/DIN type interface), custom-length RF jumpers compatible with all Flexi and AirScale series RRUs
4. AISG Control Cable
- Function: Connects RRU and electrically tunable antenna to remotely adjust the tilt and azimuth of antennas for network optimization
- Features: Supports AISG 2.0 standard, eliminates the need for manual tower climbing operations, greatly reducing operation and maintenance costs and safety risks
-
Mainstream Brand Common Models:
- Ericsson: TSR48421 (RET control cable), TSR48422 (extension cable), RPM777193 series (integrated AISG interface), TSR89000 series
- Nokia: 471408A (OD interface AISG control cable), 471409A (extension cable), standard AISG 8-core control cables (M16 interface) compatible with AirScale series
5. Grounding Cable
- Function: Achieves reliable grounding between RRU and iron tower, protects equipment and personnel from lightning strikes and static electricity
- Features: Adopts 16mm²/25mm² multi-strand copper core cables with tinned connectors, excellent electrical conductivity, can quickly discharge lightning current
- Common specifications: 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, customizable lengths and connector types
3. Wide Application Range of RRU Cables
As core supporting components of base stations, RRU cables are applied in all mobile communication networks and industry private networks:
- 4G/5G Macro Base Stations: The most important application scenario, for connecting tower-mounted, rooftop and pole-mounted RRUs
- Small Base Stations and Indoor Distribution Systems: For signal coverage in indoor scenarios such as shopping malls, office buildings, subways, airports, underground parking lots and hotels
- Industry Private Networks: Dedicated communication networks for industries such as electric power, transportation, mining, ports, petrochemicals and public security
- Emergency Communication Base Stations: For emergency communication support in scenarios such as disaster relief, large-scale events, temporary competitions and engineering construction
- Edge Computing Base Stations: Cooperate with edge computing nodes to achieve low-latency and high-bandwidth local data processing
- Base Stations Along High-Speed Railways/Highways: Provide stable communication signals for high-speed mobile scenarios
4. Choose Skyward Telecom for Reliable RRU Cable Procurement
As a global professional communication equipment supplier, Skyward Telecom has been deeply engaged in the optical communication and mobile communication fields for many years, providing full-range, high-quality and cost-effective RRU cables and supporting products for global operators, engineering contractors and system integrators, especially specializing in original-compatible cables for mainstream brands such as Nokia and Ericsson.
Our Core Advantages:
- ✅ Full Product Range: Provides a complete series of RRU cables including CPRI/eCPRI optical fibers, DC power cables, RF jumpers, AISG control cables and grounding cables, supporting customization of different lengths, interfaces and specifications
- ✅ Perfect Brand Compatibility: 100% compatible with all series of RRU and base station equipment such as Nokia AirScale/Flexi, Ericsson RBS 6000/6600, Radio 4400/5500
- ✅ Strict Quality Assurance: All products adopt high-quality raw materials, are produced in strict accordance with 3GPP industry standards, and have passed multiple tests such as high and low temperature, waterproof, tensile and VSWR tests, complying with CE and RoHS international certifications
- ✅ Adequate Stock Inventory: Large stock reserves of commonly used models, supporting global express delivery, urgent orders can be shipped on the same day
- ✅ Professional and Attentive Service: Provides 7×24 multilingual technical support, 1-3 years warranty, free sample testing, and solves your problems in procurement and use throughout the process
- ✅ High Cost-Effectiveness: Original-equivalent quality at only 30%-50% of the original manufacturer's price, greatly reducing your procurement costs
If you need to learn more about RRU cable products or have procurement needs, please visit our official website:
https://skyward-telecom.com/collections/telecom-cables
You can also contact our sales team directly, and we will provide you with professional solutions and the most favorable quotes. Choosing Skyward Telecom means choosing stable, reliable and worry-free communication equipment suppliers!