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5G testing in a telecom provider’s lab for interoperability purpose

Posted on July 26, 2025July 26, 2025 by debra

The increasing demand for 5G connectivity necessitates robust interoperability testing across diverse base station equipment within telecom laboratories. RFOptic’s RF over Fiber (RFoF) solutions offer a superior approach to traditional coaxial infrastructure, enabling efficient and effective 5G testing.

The challenge

A leading telecommunications provider was looking for an RFoF solution to conduct 5G interoperability testing in its European labs. The existing RF switches and coaxial cable setups imposed significant constraints on frequency ranges and distances required for thorough 5G testing. This limited the ability of the telco to validate equipment from multiple providers effectively.

Testing RFOptic’s bidirectional solution

To address these challenges, the telco tested RFOptic’s bidirectional solution for several weeks. The telco wanted to test this solution, since RFOptic bidirectional systems serve a critical role in interfacing various types of equipment across different labs, facilitated by the integrated optical switch.

RFOptic’s bidirectional modules are designed for applications where an uplink as well as a downlink are required such as Transmit/Receive antenna interfaces. In such a case, applications require a single fiber solution utilizing WDM method. The programmable bidirectional RF over Fiber (RFoF) units are especially suitable for remote antennas communication, Satcom, 4G LTE, and broadable bidirectional RF over Fiber (RFoF) units are especially suitable for remote antennas communication, Satcom, 4G LTE, and broadcast.

Key features include:

Frequency 1MHz -4GHz
Utilizes WDM technology
Better linearity, excellent gain flatness, and Tx, Rx and Link gain control
Noise figure down to 6 dB with LNA
Internal microcontroller allows RF and Optical control enabled by software
End-to-end diagnostics reduce installation and maintenance time, enabled by software
Gain control; S21(f) typical of ±1 dB for 90°C variation, utilizing special algorithm
Remote management by GUI on PC
Impedances of 50 Ohms and 75 Ohm
An SNMP remote management can be added

The result

After performing a comprehensive range of tests to evaluate RFOptic’s performance capabilities, the telco concluded that RFOptic’s system was meeting the stringent requirements necessary for 5G testing. The telco opted to purchase RFOptic’s HD 4GHz system, which features the capacity to support up to 20 bidirectional links across five modular drawers. This selection was driven by the system’s exceptional performance, compact design, and innovative management and monitoring capabilities, which significantly reduce operational expenditures (OPEX) and integration time.

RFOptic bidirectional solution also act as a technology demo system, showing other departments within the telco the capabilities and advantages of the RFoF solution for advanced testing scenarios..

Conclusion

This case study underscores the escalating demand for RFoF solutions in 5G testing subsystems, especially where conventional RF routing approaches prove impractical due to distance and frequency constraints. RFOptic’s RF over Fiber solutions provide telecom labs with an effective tool for conducting comprehensive 5G interoperability tests. By replacing outdated coaxial infrastructure with cutting-edge RFoF technology, telecom operators can enhance testing capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and support the increased adoption of 5G networks.

Everything you need to know about RFOptic ’s RFoF management system enhancements

Posted on March 18, 2025July 9, 2025 by admin

As a technology-driven company, RFOptic enhances its offerings to incorporate the latest tech trends and to respond quickly to shifting market demands. One of our flagship offerings is our RF over Fiber (RFoF) management system, which provides increased security, automated control, and expanded scalability for complex network deployments. Our M&C manages, monitors, and controls all types of RFoF products with optional management over fiber (IFL). We launched it to meet the need of customers to manage their many units remotely (e.g., in highway tunnels, satcom applications, etc.). The SNMP/HTML capability allows system integrators, operators, and control center staff to monitor and manage their RFOptic systems remotely, including changing parameters.

On top of the existing features, the following three enhancements were made:

HTTPS Encryption
All communication between the web server and the browser is now secured with HTTPS, protecting sensitive data and RFoF infrastructure from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Automatic Level Control (ALC)
ALC simplifies signal level management by automatically adjusting gain settings to maintain optimal signal quality. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures consistent performance.
128 Module Support
The 128-module support scales the customer’s RFoF network efficiently with support for up to 128 modules, enabling the management of larger and more complex deployments.

As mentioned above, the enhancements are built on top of the M&C’s well-known features, including:

Remote Management (SNMP/HTML), which allows our customers to access and control their RFoF system from any location. The remote M&C is possible with SNMP V2c and HTML webserver. SNMP is particularly useful for large-scale deployments, while an HTML webserver-based remote M&C is suitable for smaller deployments. An Inter-Facility Optical Link (IFL) is used to provide M&C access to a remote RFoF enclosure from a nearby one.
Local Management, which utilizes user-friendly interfaces for direct, hands-on control. Short distance management Is available over USB using RFOptic’s configuration tool under Microsoft Windows or a documented API. The software identifies the products by part and serial numbers and reports on the optical power of both Tx and Rx units and module temperature. It simplifies parameter adjustments and built-in diagnostics as well as the generation of log files for technical support.
ODL Monitoring & Control for RFOptic ODL systems. ODL systems may be controlled directly from the front panel with an LCD display and a 3-button navigation pad. Such systems can also be controlled using USB or Ethernet M&C interfaces as well as via documented API.
Dedicated Management Software, which allows for performing diagnostics, calibration, and troubleshooting efficiently.
Inter-Facility Link (IFL) Management which enables remote sites to be managed over the same fiber used for data transmission. This is important when RFoF cages are placed at remote sites that do not have access to LAN or the Web.
OPEX Reduction thanks to the minimized maintenance time and costs through remote diagnostics and efficient management tools.

To recap, RFOptic’s Monitoring & Control System can manage, monitor, and control RFoF converters locally and remotely. These control and monitor capabilities reduce the daily maintenance expense, allowing maintenance personnel to perform diagnostic tests and calibration in the field without special test equipment, and to locate faults and problems in the optical and RF domains. All M&C systems are user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to operate. Additional information can be found in the help files of the M&C software.

To learn more about RFOptic’s M&C, download the data sheet.

Navigating the Labyrinth of Optical Delay Line Design – From Concept to Custom Solution

Posted on March 6, 2025July 8, 2025 by admin

As RFOptic, we offer our customers 4 groups of products, namely RFoF off-the-shelf links, subsystems, Optical Delay Lines, and customized systems. In this blog post, we will focus on Optical Delay Lines and their intricacies. We have a proven track record in various industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. RFOptic’s optical delay lines are known for their high-performance thanks to our cutting-edge technology combined with a customer-centric approach. This means that RFOptic’s optical delay lines (ODLs) meet the most stringent requirements for accuracy, reliability, and performance.

ODL is a customized solution engineered to replicate real-world propagation delays, which addresses the need to simulate distance with precision for communication and testing. However, designing an ODL isn’t an easy, one-size-fits-all endeavor. On the contrary, it requires taking numerous parameters into account to achieve optimal performance. Let’s delve into the intricacies of ODL design, from initial requirements to a tangible proposal.

Understanding the Core Parameters

Before everything else, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and needs of the customer to define the parameters.

These parameters encompass:

Number of Delay Lines
The number of delay lines is the foundation of the ODL. Since it’s a progressive method, the customer needs to define the core delay lines. For example, 4 delay lines can create a remarkable 15 distinct delay states through intelligent optical switching combinations. This allows for fine-grained control and a wide range of simulated distances.
Zero Delay (Minimum Internal Delay)
The zero delay represents the inherent delay within the ODL, even before the defined delay lines are engaged. It’s directly influenced by the number of delay lines and the internal architecture of the device.
Optical Switching Speed
In dynamic applications, rapid switching between delay states is crucial. This parameter defines the speed at which the ODL can transition between different delay values, impacting real-time simulation capabilities,
ODL Gain and Output Signal
Maintaining signal integrity is essential. This parameter dictates the amplification or attenuation of the optical signal as it passes through the ODL, ensuring a strong and clear output.
Gain Control
For applications that require precise signal level adjustments, gain control is a vital feature. This allows for dynamic optimization of the output signal strength.
Frequency
The operating frequency of the optical signal significantly impacts the design and performance of the ODL. Different frequencies require specialized components and configurations.
Control Method
The ODL will be controlled and interfaced with, so the control method is an important parameter. Options range from simple manual controls to sophisticated software interfaces, depending on the complexity of the customer’s application.
Other Important Parameters
These are parameters that relate to a wide range of application-specific requirements, such as physical dimensions, doppler module, and specific optical connectors.

Simplifying the Design Process with RFOptic

Now that we have gotten a glimpse of the complexity of ODL design, let’s see how RFOptic can help simplify the process using its intelligent, streamlined approach. To make things easy for our customers, we have set up our online Request for Quote (RFQ) process (accessible at https://rfoptic.customcode.co.il/request-for-quote/) that helps to define the essential parameters, ensuring we at RFOptic capture our customers’ specific needs.

After submitting the filled out the Request for Quote form, a technical consultation takes place to discuss the ODL project. Based on the collected information, RFOptic’s team leverages proprietary design tools to create a tailored ODL solution. This smooth path from design to implementation ensures that the customer receives the high-performance ODL that fits its requirements.

To summarize, designing a custom Optical Delay Line can be a complex undertaking, but with a clear understanding of the key parameters and the support of experienced professionals, customers can achieve a solution that delivers exceptional performance. Our streamlined design process and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the ideal partner for ODL design and implementation.

Want to learn more about RFOptic’s Optical Delay Lines? We have several resources available.

For various ODL data sheets, click here.
For white papers mentioning ODL applications, click here.
For FAQ about ODL, click here.
For our fun ODL quiz, click here.
To get a quote for a customized ODL design, click here

RFOptic’s progress in Asia

Posted on February 26, 2025July 9, 2025 by admin

In general, some Asia Pacific countries, led by China, India, Japan, and South Korea, are investing considerably in homeland security and defense applications. For the last few years, RFOptic has made significant progress in various markets in Asia. Based on our commercial success, we are looking forward to accelerating our growth across several key Asian markets this year. We will expand our footprint in the local EW & Defense and 5G testing sectors thanks to the increasing demand for advanced optical RF solutions. Let’s have a closer look at our progress in more detail, focusing on Japan, India, Vietnam, China, and South Korea.

Japan: A Promising Future
The Japanese market is experiencing robust growth, particularly in applications such as telemetry, remote antennas, and 5G technology. Thanks to the commitment and efforts of our local distributor, Fuchu, we have entered the Japanese market successfully. Following our success in the last few years, we anticipate tripling our local sales this year, mainly through repeat orders. We expect our recently launched Ultra 12GHz and 18GHz products to drive local demand.

To learn more about our Ultra 12GHz product solution, click here. To learn more about our Ultra 18GHz product solution, click here.

India: Strategic Partnerships and Expanding Projects
Following successful trials of our 6GHz phase-matched point-to-point and 18GHz four-channel demonstrations, RFOptic has been awarded two major projects. The first one is with the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The second one consists of our optical RF solutions at millimeter wavelengths for maritime applications. To get a permanent foothold in this strategic market, we have been building cooperations with first and second-tier integrators. These strategic relationships allow us to provide e.g., our Government & Defense solutions to meet the growing demand from the defense sector.

To learn more about our customized RF over Fiber high SFDR for 5G mm-Wave active antenna arrays, contact us.

Vietnam: New Opportunities
As we mentioned in our previous blog post, Vietnam is emerging as a major player in the EW & Defense sector, also thanks to strong players such as the Viettel Group. There is especially a strong demand for optical delay lines and systems for RADAR altimeter testing. This was also evident at a recent exhibition where we were represented by our local partner s9 Technology JSC. Also, based on the success of this expo, we expect significant market growth as the demand for our innovative solutions, such as for our phase-matched CWDM multi-link RFoF, continues to rise.

To learn more about our Optical RF Electronic Warfare & Radar Systems, click here.

China: Continued Success and Repeat Orders
As RFOptic, we are also active in China. Our success record includes receiving a third consecutive order from the Radio Telescope Observatory in Shanghai. We supplied advanced 18GHz and 6GHz links, alongside our HTML management system. Our solutions for remote antenna applications in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) have also resulted in repeat orders. With the launch or our Ultra product line, which is known for its compactness, lightweight design, and performance, we expect continued growth in this market. Other deployments include South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) for the supply of broadband 18 GHz fiber optic links for its Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) site, and the Onsala Space Observatory.

For more information about our RFOptic’s fiber optic solutions for Radio Telescope and Astronomy, click here.

Korea: A Key Market
Another rapidly growing market for us at RFOptic is South Korea. The main demand is for our optical delay lines and HSFDR product lines for defense and DAS applications. Due to the changing geo-political situation, we forecast a growing need for our off-the-shelf and customized solutions. Therefore, we consider South Korea, being an essential market, to play a crucial part in our overall growth strategy in Asia.

To learn more about our DAS solution, click here.

Other Markets: Significant CAGR Growth
The overall demand for RFOptic’s products highlights a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) across the Asian market, outpacing the global average. Our track record of providing creative, compact solutions and excellent support makes us the preferred choice. This positions us well to provide our 5G RFoF subsystems and Electronic Warfare & RADAR solutions in these important markets.

In conclusion, as RFOptic, we are looking forward to strengthening our presence in these dynamic markets even more. As always, our main focus will remain on developing and providing innovative solutions that meet our customers’ needs.

Vietnam – An important strategic market for RFOptic

Posted on January 27, 2025July 9, 2025 by admin

RFOptic’s Presence at Vietnam Defense Expo 2024

From December 19, 2024 to December 22, 2024, we, as RFOptic, co-exhibited with our local partner at Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024. The expo covered an area of over 100,000 square meters, including 15,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and over 20,000 square meters of outdoor display areas, with 242 domestic and foreign participants. As RFOptic, the Vietnam is an important strategic market. In this blog post we will explain why.

For starters, Vietnam had some of the largest increases in military expenditures in Southeast Asia. Between 2003 and 2018, its military spending increased by nearly 700%, from USD 841 million in 2003 to USD 5.5 billion in 2018. [Source: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)]. With the Vietnamese government investing heavily in modernizing its armed forces, including the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies, the defense market is expected to keep on growing in the next five years. The main focus is on maritime security-related activities. These efforts encompass air force, air defense, surface, and subsurface capabilities. Defense equipment suppliers and subcontractors can expect increased demand for naval combatants, aerial defense, intelligence systems, and surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment.

In 2019, the government published its Vietnam Defense White Paper, which outlines its non-aligned policy for territorial protection and regional security stability. Part of the government strategy is seeking new partners, updated equipment, and new technology. Against this background, there is a growing local demand for RFOptic’s products. That’s why we were present at the booth of our local partner, s9 Technology JSC, at the Viet Nam International Defence Expo 2024, showcasing RF-Optic’s products and subsystems for the EW & Defense industry. Our partnership with s9 Technology already resulted in getting orders for Optical Delay Lines.

To conclude, the Vietnamese optical fiber market is growing rapidly, and we expect to provide all our solutions to both the local mobile and the EW/Radar sectors.

To learn more, contact us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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