AMIA, AMOB or AMOD? A Practical Guide to Nokia AirScale Baseband Subracks
Nokia AirScale Baseband Subracks | AMIA, AMOB, AMOD Spot Spare Parts
Nokia AirScale baseband subrack (SM Unit) is the core hardware shelf for AirScale RAN infrastructure. It serves as the physical housing for baseband control boards, processing cards and related modules. Deployed inside the central equipment room or at outdoor sites, it handles 4G-LTE and 5G signal processing, connects to remote RRH/RFU units via CPRI / eCPRI optical links, and delivers radio resources for mobile networks.
These subracks are widely used for new site build-out, network expansion and faulty unit replacement for telecom operators, system integrators and telecom hardware traders.
Nokia AirScale Subrack Models Overview
AMIA (473098A) — Indoor Subrack
AMIA is the most widely-deployed indoor Nokia AirScale baseband subrack. It provides 2 control slots + 6 capacity slots in a 3U chassis, supporting control boards ASIB / ASIK and baseband processing boards such as ABIO, ABIL. Suitable for 4G LTE and early-phase 5G sites, it allows future hardware upgrade for AI-RAN capability. It is the preferred spare part for existing site maintenance and capacity expansion. Minimum RAT release requirement: LTE16A / SRAN17A / 5G19.
AMOB (473952A) — Outdoor Subrack
AMOB is an outdoor Nokia AirScale baseband subrack with IP55 protection, designed for high-capacity deployments in 8U height. It accommodates the same series of control and baseband boards as AMIA. Ideal for sites already running LTE17A or above for 4G & 5G services, used for replacement and expansion projects. Minimum RAT release requirement: LTE17A / SRAN17A / 5G19.
AMOD (474930A) — Outdoor Subrack
AMOD is the outdoor very high-capacity Nokia AirScale baseband subrack with IP55 protection, designed for newer 4G/5G deployments in 11U height. It hosts the latest AirScale control and baseband cards, supporting 2 control slots + 8 capacity slots. It requires higher baseline RAT software versions, targeting modern mobile network sites for 5G-oriented capacity expansion and hardware renewal. Minimum RAT release requirement: LTE19 / SRAN19 / 5G19A.
Supported Boards for AMIA / AMOB / AMOD
All three subracks share the same backplane definition. Control boards and capacity boards are hardware-compatible across AMIA, AMOB and AMOD. The difference lies in chassis protection level, U height and deployment method. Board-level RAT software requirements must always be verified before ordering.
| Board Type | Model | Part Number | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Control |
ASIA | 473095A | Early 4G common control board |
| ASIB | 473764A | Control and transport unit, supports 2-5G SRAN | |
| ASIK | 474021A | New-generation 5G common control board (ReefShark) | |
| Capacity | ABIA | 473096A | 4G LTE baseband processing board |
| ABIL | 474020A / 474020B | 5G ReefShark baseband processing board | |
| ABIO | 475266A | High-capacity 5G baseband processing board | |
| Power & Cooling | PSU | — | Indoor / outdoor power supply module |
| Fan Unit | — | Fan assembly with controller | |
| Accessories | Blank Panel | — | Dust-proof filler for empty slots |
Specifications Comparison Table
| Subrack Model | Product Code | Deployment | Height | Slot Configuration | Minimum RAT Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMIA | 473098A | Indoor | 3U | 2 control + 6 capacity | LTE16A / SRAN17A / 5G19 |
| AMOB | 473952A | Outdoor | 8U | 2 control + 6 capacity | LTE17A / SRAN17A / 5G19 |
| AMOD | 474930A | Outdoor | 11U | 2 control + 8 capacity | LTE19 / SRAN19 / 5G19A |
Important Selection Note:
Before ordering any Nokia AirScale baseband subrack, please verify your site's current RAT software release. If site software is lower than the minimum required release, the subrack cannot be recognized and will not work normally. Always double-check software compatibility for spare-part replacement.
Outdoor Deployment Note:
AMOB and AMOD are outdoor IP55 enclosures. The boards inside are standard indoor boards — protection is provided by the chassis. Do not operate the boards outside the enclosure.
Our Supply:
We provide brand-new original, fully-tested used and professionally refurbished Nokia AirScale AMIA, AMOB, AMOD baseband subracks with spot inventory. Every unit goes through strict hardware testing before shipment. Contact us for stock verification, technical consultation and competitive quotation.
One-Stop AirScale Sourcing:
Beyond baseband subracks, we also supply matching Nokia AirScale controller and baseband boards including ASIB, ASIK, ABIO, ABIL and other related spare parts. Get your complete subrack + board configuration from one supplier — contact us for bundled quotation and faster project fulfillment.