1 Remote RF is Becoming a Mainstream Solution

This paper examines the technologies and applications associated with the extension of the connection between a wireless radio base station and its antennas. The extension of this connection allows wireless operators to provide wireless service to new and remote areas, using radio equipment from an existing location. Optical Wireless Technology is proposed as a viable and cost effective technology for this application in urban environments. The cost benefits of using today’s technologies to extend the link between radio base stations and their antennas is also examined. Executive Summary The wireless telecommunications industry has experienced enormous growth over the last few years, driven primarily by wireless subscriber growth and most recently the promise of wireless data services. The demand for wireless services continues to grow throughout the world. At this point, global wireless telecommunications subscriber growth is about 20 % annually. As the deman