The Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance has recommended the cluster connector type C (MQ4/5) as a common radio frequency (RF) cluster connector for early 5G deployment.
NGMN’s new white paper – Recommendation for RF Cluster Connector for use in 5G NR 8T8R TDD Deployment – describes the selection process and explores the features that make a common RF cluster connector the most suitable for early 5G deployment.
Across the mobile communication industry, there is increasing demand for highly integrated antennas with a large number of RF ports. At the same time, antenna size is a critical factor in network deployment which limits the number of connectors. Cluster connectors solve this problem by integrating several RF ports into single connectors.
Industry alignment
The NGMN cluster connector project, bringing together international operators as well as network equipment, antenna and connector suppliers, worked to align the industry towards using a common cluster connector to deliver operations and maintenance benefits to operators.
Tomas Sedlacek, Chairman of the NGMN cluster connector project and Site Infrastructure Expert at Deutsche Telekom, said, “This cluster connector industry recommendation, aligning equipment suppliers towards using a common type of connector, will help operators to simplify logistics and reduce operations and maintenance expenditures.”
Dr Peter Meissner, NGMN CEO, added, “This will accelerate time-to-market and decrease installation costs. The selection of a cluster connector marks a significant step in this mission, and we are committed to continuing to work with the industry as we move forward towards the new era of connectivity that 5G is set to bring.”