UK partnership extends fibre optic tech for more reliable radio comms | Computer Weekly

"Looking to create a commercial prototype that will help to position the UK as a leader in advanced communications technologies, civil engineers at Aston University in the UK are teaming up with electronic components developer Pulse Power & Measurement to investigate new ways to use fibre optic technologies for more stable, stronger and longer distance radio communications. The three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to further develop radio-over-fibre technology,"

"The benefit is that comms services can extend transmission distances and overcome the signal loss associated with conventional coaxial cables, which carry radio signals as electrical impulses. When used over longer distances, these cables can deliver poor audio and video quality and even suffer complete signal dropouts. The technique can be applied to any radio signal and is currently used in satellite communications, data centres and media broadcast."

"Tapping into Aston University's radio-over-fibre research into commercial use for the first time, the project will develop what is considered as a new and potentially more cost-effective prototype to amplify and extend radio signals through fibre optic cables. According to the partners, this will allow more sectors to benefit from "ultra-fast, reliable communications", while helping to position the UK as a leader in advanced communication technologies."

A three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Aston University and Pulse Power & Measurement will develop radio-over-fibre technology to convert analogue radio frequency signals into light, transmit them through fibre optic cables, and reconvert them into radio signals at the far end. The approach extends transmission distances and avoids the signal loss and dropouts common with conventional coaxial cables that carry electrical impulses. The technique applies to any radio signal and is used in satellite communications, data centres, media broadcast, and live sports such as Formula 1. The project will produce a potentially cost-effective prototype to amplify and extend signals and is funded by Innovate UK.

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