Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) technology entails the use of optical fiber links to distribute RF signals from a central location (headend) to Remote Antenna Units (RAUs). In narrow-band communication systems and WLANs, RF signal processing functions such as frequency up-conversion, carrier modulation and multiplexing are performed at the BS or the RAP, and immediately fed into the antenna. RoF makes it possible to centralize the RF signal processing functions in one shared location (headend), and then to use optical fiber, which offers low signal loss (0.3 dB/km for 1550 nm, and 0.5 dB/km for 1310 nm wavelengths) to distribute the RF signals to the RAUs.
Benefits of RoF Technology:
1. Low Attenuation Loss
2. Large Bandwidth
3. Immunity to Radio Frequency Interference
4. Easy Installation and Maintenance
5. Reduced Power Consumption
6. Multi-Operator and Multi-Service Operation etc.