Radio Units, Baseband and Site Power

WBS 105 introduces technicians to the core components of wireless network sites. Students will explore the architecture and function of radio units (RUs), which convert digital signals to radio frequency and vice-versa, and baseband units (BBUs), responsible for digital signal processing. The course delves into the high-speed optical and electrical interfaces, including Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) and enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI), that link these critical elements. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to understanding direct current (DC) power plant operation, including rectification, battery backup systems, distribution, and safety protocols necessary to maintain reliable site operations. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical lab exercises, technicians will gain the knowledge and skills required to install, maintain, and troubleshoot these integral wireless site components.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

WBS 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Wireless Site Architecture and Componentslecture

02Lesson 2: Radio Unit (RU) Fundamentals and Technologieslecture

03Lesson 3: Baseband Unit (BBU) Architectures and Processinglecture

04Hands-on Lab: RU and BBU Identification and Basic Interconnectionslab

05Lesson 5: Introduction to Optical Fiber Communications for Site Interconnectslecture

06Lesson 6: Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) Standard and Operationslecture

07Lesson 7: Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) and Fronthaul Evolutionlecture

08Hands-on Lab: CPRI/eCPRI Cable Termination and Testinglab

09Lesson 9: Direct Current (DC) Power Plant Overview and Componentslecture

10Lesson 10: Rectifiers, Batteries, and DC Power Distributionlecture

11Hands-on Lab: DC Power System Measurement and Verificationlab

12Lesson 12: Site Grounding, Bonding, and Safety Practiceslecture

13Lesson 13: Introduction to Wireless Site Monitoring and Alarmslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Wireless Site System Integration and Verificationassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Wireless Site Architecture and Components","Week 2: Lesson 2: Radio Unit (RU) Fundamentals and Technologies","Week 3: Lesson 3: Baseband Unit (BBU) Architectures and Processing","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: RU and BBU Identification and Basic Interconnections","Week 5: Lesson 5: Introduction to Optical Fiber Communications for Site Interconnects","Week 6: Lesson 6: Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) Standard and Operations","Week 7: Lesson 7: Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) and Fronthaul Evolution","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: CPRI/eCPRI Cable Termination and Testing","Week 9: Lesson 9: Direct Current (DC) Power Plant Overview and Components","Week 10: Lesson 10: Rectifiers, Batteries, and DC Power Distribution","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: DC Power System Measurement and Verification","Week 12: Lesson 12: Site Grounding, Bonding, and Safety Practices","Week 13: Lesson 13: Introduction to Wireless Site Monitoring and Alarms","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Wireless Site System Integration and Verification"]