The Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) is a protocol standard for wireless communications between remote radio heads, also referred to as Radio Equipment (RE), and the Radio Equipment Controller (REC). The main differences with traditional RF signals are summarized in Table: CPRI Signal Characteristics (Compared to RF).

Anritsu’s CPRI LTE RF Analyzer (Option 752) allows users to make RF-based measurements over a fiber optic CPRI link to look for interference problems affecting a Remote Radio Head (RRH). This is accomplished by tapping into the fiber link between the RRH and BBU (Base Band Unit), using an optical splitter to connect the RRH and BBU to the Anritsu test instrument. The instrument will decode the CPRI protocol IQ data and convert it to RF data.

Two types of CPRI measurements are available:

These CPRI Analyzer test and measurement functions can be performed from ground level, eliminating the risk and costs of climbing towers. Figure: Connection Configuration for CPRI LTE RF Testing with Anritsu Test Instrument illustrates a typical connection configuration for CPRI LTE RF testing with an Anritsu test instrument.