The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic make delivering reliable broadband connections more critical than ever. With broadband usage increasing, the demand for both coverage and capacity of the 5G radio access network (RAN) Fronthaul, Midhaul and Backhaul must also increase.

Here are three ways to help service providers stay ahead of the demand for next-generation network connectivity.

1. Provide Reliable Connections as Close to People as Possible

People now need to study, work and be online from anywhere…not just from the home or office. To be productive in today’s world, fiber-ready 5G antennas must be closer to people so they don’t lose connectivity. Fiber assemblies of the highest quality that are simple and quick to install are key to creating and maintaining these robust, cost-effective networks that enable fast 5G deployments.

Clearfield®’s products make connecting 5G networks faster, easier and deployable in any environment. By using our cable assemblies, network operators gain the benefits of fiber to the antenna…with the added benefit of plug-and-play.

If more density is needed, optical components can be strategically placed along the fiber route. This allows for splitting or multiplexing fibers…even in the harshest environments…without sacrificing signal quality.

2. Use Pre-Connectorized, User-Friendly Fiber Assemblies

Pre-connectorized assemblies that installers can simply plug into network components allow for faster network turn-up. Plus, with our small (3mm) FieldShield® assemblies, designers and installations crews can often use existing conduit pathways to add network elements. This feature reduces both the turn-up time and construction costs for each job.

When a network connection needs multiple fibers, our FieldShield Pushable Multi-Fiber Push On (MPO) cable assembly gives designers the flexibility to tailor network components to varying deployment geographies.

3. Reduce Costs with a Scalable Network Building Block Element

Because our MPO cable assembly requires no splicing, installation crews serve as the turn-up crew in most cases…dramatically reducing installation costs. Service providers further reduce costs with FieldShield assemblies and Clearview^® Cassettes at points of aggregation. The Clearview Cassette is a scalable network building block element for use in almost all areas of the RAN. In the 5G Fronthaul section of the RAN, a single cassette distributes fibers to multiple antennas of a single carrier or aggregates multiple carrier antennas for transport. In the Midhaul section, these same cassettes provide test points or patch panels to direct traffic to various small cell or DAS locations. In the Backhaul section, the cassette connects network electronics in a central office or headend.

As you look for ways of getting faster turn-up times, easier network deployments and high-quality connections in your 5G network, we invite you to reach out to Clearfield. We have tons of experience with wireless deployments and are happy to help.