User Manual

Andrew InCell™ Fiber Optic Distributed Antenna System Users Guide
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requires system installers to add crimp-on connectors for the copper lines and add SC type
connectors to the fiber cables. Refer to Andrew Catalog 38, pages 642-645, for full
specifications of the plenum and riser rated cables. Andrew cable assemblies also come with a
pulling hook and harness to make the cables easier to install.
If the in-building location for each of the remote antenna units is pre-planned and the distances
are all known, then composite cables with connectorized ends and installation-ready wraps can
be ordered to specific lengths. The other option is to buy reels of composite cable and then
connectorize them in field. The connectors for the copper wires are fairly easy to crimp on, but
the SC-connectors take a few minutes and require the use of a non-fusion based splicing device
and well trained technicians to insure that reliable, low loss splices are made.
Single mode fiber optic cable is used in the InCell™ products because of its wide bandwidth and
loss attenuation characteristics. Single mode fiber optic cable has the lowest attenuation of all
fiber optic cable types and is typically lower in cost than multimode fiber cable. Single mode
fiber is used in communications systems where high data rates and wide bandwidths are
required. Wideband fiber optic line provides for unlimited future growth. Typical single mode
cable loss is 0.4 dB per km. The loss of two SC connectors is typically 0.5 dB.
The SC type connector is the most popular connector type for the fiber-optic cables. The SC
connector is the recommended connector in the EIA/TIA-568A building wiring standard. It
provides a very reliable, low loss connection at a reasonable cost. The SC type connector is easy
to install and provides positive feedback when correctly seated. SC connectors have good lock,
pull and wiggle characteristics, ensuring that they will stay in place when installed and that they
are immune to tension or lateral pressure on the fiber cable.
Figure 11 shows the RAU fiber and power connections.
POWER
U/L D/L
PWR
D00-44
Rem Loc
Figure 11. Remote and Local Power Connections on the RAU