Optical Zonu GPS Fiber Transport Base Unit connected to the Ericsson GPS modules for one of the wireless carriers at LAX. (Photo courtesy of Aztecs)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is in the midst of a $14 billion modernization program. This includes updates to the mobile wireless coverage and capacity. One of the first projects was the update of the Thomas Bradley International Terminal. Mobile coverage for all the US carriers was provided by deployment of a new Ericsson DOT system.  Each coverage location has a cluster of DOT radios connected over ethernet cable to the IRUs (Indoor Radio Units) installed at a central location.

These IRUs require a GPS connection for network timing and sync. Since the GPS antenna location is on the roof and far from the IRU location, Optical Zonu’s GPS Fiber Transport was used to provide the connections. The components are easy to install and low-profile. In addition, distribution of the GPS to all the carrier base station equipment uses lightweight optical fiber which is easy to route in the crowded conduits and headend room. Using a passive optical splitter permits routing the GPS to compact fiber optic Base units with multiple RF outputs collocated in each carrier’s equipment rack for simple connection to the IRUs. The system uses a second GPS antenna and path to provide auto-redundancy switchover. The GPS distribution system is built utilizing OZC’s unique and patented Antenna Status Propagation that enables easy installation and immediate troubleshooting for any failure. The system integrates simply in the Network Management System without the need for a dedicated SNMP set up.

Contact our sales team to learn more about Optical Zonu’s GPS over Fiber comprehensive offerings.