Meaning
Communication infrastructure components that connect mobile user devices to the core network via wireless links form the primary edge of a cellular system. A radio access network consists of base stations, antennas, and controllers that manage the physical layer of the air interface. It handles the handover of active sessions between different cells as a user moves through a covered area.
Site Deployment
Distributed units and centralized units coordinate the processing of signals captured by the antennas.
Fronthaul Connection
High-speed fiber links carry digitized radio signals between the antenna units and the processing pool. Within the radio access network, these connections must meet strict latency and jitter requirements to ensure the timing of the radio frames is preserved. Standard protocols define how different vendors interoperate at this physical junction to allow for a mix of equipment from various suppliers.
Coverage Limit
The geographical reach of a single installation is determined by the transmit power and the frequency of the spectrum used. Because a radio access network relies on line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight propagation, buildings and terrain create shadows where signal quality drops. Planning tools use terrain models to predict where additional small cells are needed to fill these gaps and ensure consistent connectivity for the end user device.
