RF over Fiber

Global Foxcom optical links offer a full range of L-Band, IF, and C, X & Ku Band frequencies, making them an essential part of RF over Fiber solutions. These high-performance RFoF products are trusted by major satellite operators and broadcasters worldwide for reliable and scalable Radio over Fiber transmission.

Satellite Antenna Site Diversity

The Challenge:

To provide multi-channel RF-linkage to remotely located earth stations for site diversity to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions.

The Solution:

Global Foxcom’s RF Over Fiber (RFOF) Platinum series was deployed to transfer satellite signals to mirrored teleports at distances in excess of 100km.

Turnkey Benefits of Global Foxcom’s RF over Fiber Solutions

Using FIBER rather than coax cables has multiple advantages
Distance

Distance

Transmits signals over distances of 100km without signal degradation
Flexible

Flexible

Lightweight, flexible with negligible RF loss
Unlimited Bandwidth

Unlimited Bandwidth

Operates without optical loss at any bandwidth

Immune to EMI/RFI

Does not conduct electricity. It is safe during lightening/electrical storms
Security

Security

Fiber tapping cannot occur because there is not optical leakage
Cost Effective

Cost Effective

Most cost effective medium for transporting signals

RF Over Fiber Applications

  • Satellite Earth Stations and Teleports:
    Enables long-distance, low-loss transmission of L-band signals between antennas and control rooms, ensuring high signal integrity in satellite communication systems.
  • Broadcast Facilities:
    Delivers high-quality audio and video signals over long distances with minimal interference.
  • Sport Stadiums:
    Distributes RF signals seamlessly across large venues for broadcasting, security, and communication systems, ensuring reliable coverage.
  • High-Rise Buildings and Hotels:
    Provides centralized signal distribution for TV, internet, and security systems over fiber with reduced interference.
  • University Campuses:
    Connects multiple buildings with stable RF signals for research, surveillance, and communication systems across wide campus areas.
  • Shopping Malls:
    Supports consistent signal coverage for wireless services, security systems, and in-building communication infrastructure.
  • Airport and Railway Stations:
    Facilitates secure, high-performance RF signal distribution for communication and operational control over large terminals.
  • Gated Communities:
    Delivers RF services, such as TV and internet, with minimal signal degradation, supporting centralized security monitoring.

Typical RFoF Antenna Site Block Diagram

This typical Global Foxcom solution demonstrates the use of RF over Fiber (RFoF) technology for transmitting and receiving L-band signals in satellite earth stations.
RF over Fiber

RF Over Fiber Products

Global Foxcom offers a comprehensive range of RF over Fiber (RFoF) products designed to deliver reliable, high-performance signal transmission for mission-critical applications. Our product lineup includes RF transmitters, optical receivers, distribution modules, enclosures, and complete RFoF systems, all engineered for seamless integration into existing RF infrastructure.
Platinum Series
Global Foxcom's Advanced Platinum RFOF platform, houses Digital Control for RF links, embedded optical/RF power meter, 12/24 "hot-swap" modules per 3RU chassis with support for up to 6GHz, built in SNMP for monitoring, variety of data links and a suite of RF accessories. Platinum Series
Platinum Series
Gold Series
Global Foxcom’s Classic Gold RFOF platform, provides the Gold Standard in reliability and performance, up to 8 RFOF "hot-swap" modules per 3RU chassis with a capacity up to 18GHz, SNMP monitoring option, variety of data links and a suite of RF accessories. Gold Series
Gold Series
VSAT Links
Global Foxcom’s VSAT fiber optic solution is compact, flexible and an ideal solution for VSAT Hubs of any size. The kit consists of the IP65-rated 4000 series ODU and the 7190 1RU series IDU. The VSAT fiber solution provides bi-directional L-band transport and a 10MHz reference signal for the BUC. VSAT Links
VSAT Links
OEM
Global Foxcom’s OEM Link enables optical transmission of RF signals covering a range of 10 to 2200MHz. High-gain transmitters for low-power input signals and low-gain transmitters for high RF input power are available as well as two receiver options with different power outputs. OEM
OEM
Satellite TV Distribution Products
The Global Foxcom compact AL6R-66-CWDM receiver converts incoming signals from Global Foxcom’s optical AL6T-66-CWDM transmitter into 6 RF outputs. This cost-effective solution enables distribution of up to 6 high-quality, L-Band (200-2400MHz) TV signals to multiple dwelling units. Satellite TV Distribution Products
Satellite TV Distribution Products
Outdoor Units
Global Foxcom's Outdoor Units (ODU) are advanced modular outdoor enclosure systems providing weatherproof protection for any combination of Global Foxcom's Fiber Optic Interfacility Links. Outdoor Units
Outdoor Units

FAQs

What is RF Over Fiber (RFoF)

RF Over Fiber (RFoF), also known as Radio Over Fiber, is a technology that uses optical fiber cables to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals over long distances. By converting RF signals into optical signals, RFoF systems achieve low signal loss, improved bandwidth, and resistance to electromagnetic interference.

What are the key components of an RFoF system?
  • Optical Transmitter: Converts RF signals into optical signals using a laser diode.
  • Optical Fiber: Medium for transmitting the optical signals over long distances.
  • Optical Receiver: Converts the optical signal back to an RF signal using a photodetector.
  • RF Amplifiers: Used for signal boosting at both the transmission and reception ends.
Does RFoF require special fiber optic cables?

Standard single-mode fiber (SMF) is commonly used for RFoF applications due to its low attenuation and ability to support long-distance transmission.

Global Foxcom’s RFoF solutions are compatible with SMF infrastructure, simplifying deployment while ensuring exceptional signal integrity.

How does RFoF compare to Digital RF over Fiber (D-RFoF)?
  • RFoF: Analog transmission of RF signals over fiber, maintaining original signal characteristics.
  • D-RFoF: Digital conversion of RF signals before transmission, which can reduce noise but adds latency and requires extra processing.
Can RFoF be used in 5G networks?

Yes, RFoF is increasingly used in 5G infrastructure for backhaul, fronthaul, and remote radio head (RRH) connections due to its low latency and high-frequency capabilities.

How does Global Foxcom mitigate temperature effects in RFoF systems?

Temperature variations can impact laser diodes and optical fibers, causing signal drift. Temperature-stabilized components help mitigate these effects.

Global Foxcom designs its RF over Fiber systems to deliver stable performance under extreme and variable environmental conditions—critical for defense, airborne, and remote installations.

Can Foxcom Global’s RFoF products integrate with existing RF systems?

Yes, Global Foxcom’s RFoF products are designed to integrate with traditional RF systems using appropriate interfaces and converters. It is often used to extend or replace parts of existing RF distribution networks.

Global Foxcom offers customizable solutions that bridge legacy systems with next-gen RFoF capabilities—enhancing reliability and future scalability.

How do Global Foxcom’s RFoF modules support system scalability?

An RF over Fiber module is essentially the building block of an RFoF system — a compact transmitter or receiver that slots into a rack-mounted chassis. At Global Foxcom, our modules are hot-swappable, smartly engineered, and cover wide frequency ranges.

Whether you’re working on a satellite ground station, a telecom system, or a defense network, these modules give you the flexibility to add or change capabilities without overhauling the entire setup — making them a practical choice for expanding or upgrading systems over time.