Why an optical solution using RF over Fiber is the preferred solution for 5G applications
Many RF applications require signal distribution/collection that interconnects over substantial distances using wide bandwidth. Examples of such systems include antenna arrays and signal distribution networks. The main applications are the emerging 5G where bandwidths above 6GHz are required. Where bandwidths are low, digital distribution is king, as the signal information content can be maintained over long distances without degradation other than from the original sampling quantization errors. However, when the bandwidth requirement is increased, sampling ADC converters may become impractical for a number of reasons including: limitations of the sample rate, power consumption, and dynamic range.