Andrew Solutions

ION-M Series
Optimized Multi-Band Multi-Operator Cost-Effective Solutions
Ensuring high-quality indoor and outdoor coverage is an important
consideration when planning network upgrades that offer new
services and higher data rates to customers and increased revenue
to operators. CommScopes ION-M (intelligent optical network) series
radio-over-fiber system is a wide-band, technology-agnostic
distribution platform that offers operators a robust yet cost-effective
solution for any of their coverage needs.

Multi-Band, Multi-Operator: A Multi-Solution

ION-M is a flexible radio-over-fiber platform for all conceiv-

adapts easily to whatever system architecture and power level

able optical distribution scenarios, which guarantees the

are required in the frequency range from 70 MHz to 2700

best coverage with the

BTS

BTS
BTS

lowest interference.

MU

Cutting-edge technology
fuels the ION-Ms high-

MHz. The system is

WLAN

future-proof, ready for

evolution to advanced

BTS

BTS
BTS

MU

modulation schemes

WLAN

power, robust design

BTS

BTS
BTS

MU

like HSPA+ (high speed

WLAN

making it suitable for

packet access), EV-DO

both indoor and outdoor

(evolution-data opti-

applications. As a multi-

mized) and LTE (long

band, multi-operator

term evolution).

system, the ION-M

BTS

BTS
BTS

MU

WLAN

Basic Functions
ION-M has two basic components: a centralized master

sector RU provides coverage for up to three sectors. RF signals

unit and multiple remote units. The master unit transmits and

are transported fully transparent on a single fiber at 1310 nm

receives RF (radio frequency) signals via coaxial cable to/

and 1550 nm over up to 20 km. In the event of fiber short-

from the collocated operator base stations while controlling

age, both CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing)

the entire ION -M system, including the provisioning of the

or DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) are sup-

backhaul connectivity to the OMC (operation and mainte-

ported to exploit existing fiber plants at its most capability.

nance center). The remote units are connected via optical fiber

Multiple operators using multiple technologies can transmit

to the master unit, which can support up to 124 remote units.

their services simultaneously from a cluster of base stations to

The remote units are available in single- or multi-band configu-

a number of remote locations over the same fiber. Depending

ration for a variety of frequency combinations (6 frequency

on the master units configuration and RF planning, the number

bands simultaneously over

of remote units assigned to a single sector can be adjusted to

one fiber), power classes,

accommodate for changing traffic demand.

and system designs. Up to

In ION-M re-sectorizing requires only marginal changes at

four remote units can be

the master unit. The built-in AGC (automatic gain control) fea-

connected to a single opti-

ture compensates for optical link loss, guaranteeing constant

cal transceiver at the master

gain over a changing link budget, making installation and

using a single fiber. Multi

maintenance quick and easy. Setting up the ION-M system

sector sites can be support-

is easy, thanks to a web-based GUI (graphical user interface).

ed by multiple RUs fed from

All remote units can be commissioned remotely through a

a single fiber using WDM-

built-in test head, and the entire system can be monitored and

technology. In single band

configured remotely via A.I.M.O.S. (Andrew integrated man-

scenarios a unique multi-

agement and operation system).

Network Management System

Flexibility to Support Multiple Network Configurations
The ION-Ms available performance margin, the optical link

wide-band applications. But it also supports high reliability

budget, and the system flexibility allows to built up various

networks such as GSM-R or TETRA with multiple redundancy

network configurations. Regarding the link between master

scenarios on equipment or network level.

unit and remote unit, it is possible to configure the system

according to the following methods:
Point-to-point connection
Star configuration
Daisy-chain configuration
A sector (BTS/Node B port) can be assigned to a single
remote unit, a single optical link (maximum four remote units),
or multiple remote units. The criteria for the number of remote
units assigned to a sector is mainly determined by the maximum raise of noise power acceptable at the BTS/Node B.
Because of MCPA (multi-carrier power amplifier) technology,
the ION-M series is ideally suited for multi-carrier (multi-user)

Distributed Intelligence Minimizes Disruptions

The ION-Ms control architecture is based on the distributed

The autonomous processing capability of the remote unit

The master unit controller provides an intuitive, web-based

equipment management interface, supporting total equipment
management and configuration. Due to the implemented
web server architectures, the system and all interfaces can
be accessed by any of the following methods:

(remote RF head) splits the systems basic functioning from

Via a keyboard and monitor as part of the master unit

the supervision overlay.

Via a laptop attached to the master unit controller

The master unit controller collects and consolidates system

Via a remote connection to the master unit controller

intelligence concept meant to guarantee service

availability even in the event of single control failure.

settings and information, presents it at the user interface and

sends it to the alarming system of the OMC. The ION-M is
a fully managed system with interfaces at different management levels:
Equipment management (locally or via remote connection)
Element management

(remotely via web or A.I.M.O.S. OMC)

Network management

(via A.I.M.O.S. or by providing an SNMP

interface to any NOC [network operations center])

The master unit controller hosts in parallel the interface to

Andrews OMC A.I.M.O.S. This IP-based interface supports
LAN (local area network) and RAS (remote access server)
connections to A.I.M.O.S. Today the encapsulated protocol
of this interface is proprietary but will be standard SNMP
(simple network management protocol) in the future. The master unit also provides a fully configurable relay contact alarm
board for simple local alarming (to BTS or a visual alarming
panel, for example).

ION-M Master Unit

ION-M master unit was developed by Andrew engineers as

highly sophisticated control,

a scalable solution with maximum flexibility. The master unit

alarming, and supervision

is modular, meaning it can start as a self-contained, subrack

system that also simplifies

system and grow to a rack-based system for larger networks.

installation and commission-

This flexibility allows operators to install ION -M as a cost-

ing. Optional plug-in boards

effective solution to a problematic coverage area (for exam-

provide relay alarm inputs/

ple, a metropolitan rail system) with all of the components

outputs that can communi-

100 percent reusable and re-configurable.

cate with external equipment

The various 19-inch subrack configurations make the most of

or act as a simple alarming

available space and provide optimum support to the different

interface to a base station.

network and BTS architectures. Reliability and a high GoS

(grade of service) are achieved with redundant power supply and optical link concepts, distributed intelligence, and a

An Intelligent Point of Interface - The i-POI

CommScope has addressed all

the i-POI makes it pos-

issues with a DAS interconnect-

sible to combine all con-

ing in one integrated solution.

ceivable band / service

On top of the clear reliable

configurations in one sub-

installation it provides functional-

rack, addressing the high

ity for a fast and easy system

setup and system monitoring. The
built-in calibration, supervision and
troubleshooting functionality ensures
high performance DAS operation and
enables remote commissioning.
The

i-POI

integrates in one single module all BTS condition-

ing HW as well as a signal combining, splitting,

monitoring and various test options. There are
modules for all conceivable frequencies and
services: 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz,1900
MHz and AWS, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS
and LTE (SISO and MIMO) and many more. For
installation at the head-end the i-POI mounts into
the same rack as the DAS master unit to build a
multi-sector / multi operator system.
The consistent and highly integrated design of
4

demands of todays complex DAS networks. Up to 8 i-POI

modules can be plugged into one subrack. The i-POI is
available for all common mobile frequencies and is easy to
install. Its hot-plug-in functionality enables a system upgrade
or repair even on an operating live system. One single
module can serve different base station configurations as
duplexed, non-duplexed, with or without diversity.

ION-M Remote Unit

ION-M remote units are available in single- or multi-band
and micro or macro RF power classes. High efficiency MCPA
technology empowers the remote units for multi-carrier and
multi-user applications.
Depending on the configuration the remote unit can transport
up to 8 bands simultaneously providing a cost-effective solution for distributing capacity from one or more base stations.

Remote Unit Housing-Variations

CommScopes ION-M remote units are designed for most
different applications and environmental conditions. Therefore
they all have different looks and dimensions, so that they
seamless fits into the environment in which they are needed.

Power Class Overview APAC/CALA/EMEA Frequencies

Medium Power

TETRAPOL

CDMA450

GSM/EDGE

CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

GSM-R

EGSM900
GSM/EDGE

UMTS*

LTE

GSM1800
GSM/EDGE

LTE

UMTS2100
UMTS*

LTE

2600
LTE

31
33
-----

----40
40

----40
40

----40
40

----40
40

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

Q
19
Q
19

ION-M2
ION-M2 19
ION-M4
ION-M4 19

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

36

36

36

35

---

---

---

---

---

ION-M9

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

38

37

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

ION-M9R

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

36

---

---

39

40

---

---

---

ION-M18

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

40

39

---

ION-M21

---------

40
40
-----

40
40
-----

40
40
-----

40
40
-----

42
-------

----40
---

----40
---

----40
---

----39
---

----40
---

--36
-----

39
36
--36

40
36
--40

40
----40

------40

------40

------40

------40

---------

ML
Q
M

ION-M4/8/9 EP
ION-M4/9 (RP11)
ION-M85/18/21
ION-M9/18/21

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

36

40

40***

40

40***

40

40***

---

ION-M9/18/21 EP

800 DD
LTE
CELL850
Analog

TETRA450

Product Code

LMR400

Case

VHF
Low Power

ION-M Remote Units

Corresponding
Extension Unit

---

---

---

---

---

---

36

36

36

36

36

---

---

---

---

36

36

37

37

---

ML

ION-M85/18/21 Lt

--------ION-M18 EU /
ION-M21 EU
--ION-M9 EU /
ION-M21 EU
ION-M9 EU /
ION-M18 EU
--------ION-M8/26 EU /
ION-M26/26 EU
---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

33

33

33

36

36

37

37

---

R3

ION-M9/18/21 Lt

---

-------

-------

-------

-------

-------

-------

43
43
---

43
43
---

43
43
---

42
42
---

42
42
---

-------

--39
36

--40
40

--40
40

43
43
43

43***
43
43***

43
43
43

43***
43
43***

-------

M
ML
M

ION-M85P/18P/21P
ION-M85P/9/18P/21P

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

39

40

40

43

43***

43

43***

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

39

40

40

43

43

43

43

42

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

42
---

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

42
42

---

ION-M9/18P/21P

--ION-M8/26 EU /
M
ION-M9/18P/21P EP
ION-M26/26 EU
ION-M18P EU
ML ION-M9/18P/21P/26 EP / ION-M8 EU /
ION-M26 EU
M
ION-M8/26
--M
ION-M26/26
---

TETRA450

TETRAPOL

CDMA450

800 DD
LTE

GSM-R

EGSM900
GSM/EDGE

UMTS*

LTE

GSM1800
GSM/EDGE

LTE

UMTS2100
UMTS*

LTE

2600
LTE

Product Code

LMR400

Case

VHF
Medium Power

Low Power

ION-M Extension Units

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

---------

36
-------

36
-------

36
-------

35
-------

--39
40
---

--38
40
---

------40

------39

---------

L
Q
M
L

ION-M9 EU
ION-M18 EU
ION-M18 EU
ION-M21 EU

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

43

43

---

---

---

ION-M18P EU

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

42

ION-M26/26 EU

---

---

---

---

---

42

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

42

ION-M8/26 EU

All values are composite output power.

*
**
***
****
*****
6

HSPA+ measurements (including 64QAM) have been conducted. For further information contact PLM.
Please note: Additional Combining Unit (CU) required. Indicated output power on Remote Units without CU, losses must be considered.
Assuming 5 MHz carrier bandwidth.
Subpopoulations only with ION-M26 EU possible
Subpopoulations only with ION-M8 EU possible

Corresponding
Remote Unit
ION-M18 / ION-M21
ION-M9 / ION-M21
ION-M9/18/21 EP
ION-M9 / ION-M18
ION-M9/18P/21P EP
ION-M9/18P/21P/26 EP
ION-M9/18/21 EP
ION-M9/18P/21P EP
ION-M9/18P/21P/26 EP****
ION-M9/18/21 EP
ION-M9/18P/21P EP
ION-M9/18P/21P/26 EP*****

Power Class Overview CALA/NA Frequencies

ION-M Remote Units

TETRA

P25

CELL850
Analog

GSM/EDGE

CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

LMR900

AWS1700
CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

PCS1900
GSM/EDGE

CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

--------43
------43
43

40
--30
40
--43
---------

40
--30
40
--43
---------

40
--30
40
--43
---------

40
--30
40
--43
---------

--40
-----------------

--40
-----------------

--40
-----------------

--40
-----------------

---------------------

------40
-------------

------------43
----43

------------------43

------------------43

------43
------43
-----

------43
------43
-----

------43
------43
-----

------42
------42
-----

L
L
19
M
M
Q
M
M
M
M

ION-M80
ION-M85
ION-M4/8 19
ION-M80/90/19P
ION-M7P
ION-M80P
ION-M17P
ION-M19P
ION-M7P/7P
ION-M7P/17P

---

---

---

---

---

---

43

43

43

42

42

---

---

---

---

43

43

42

42

ION-M85P/19P

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

43
43

43
---

-----

43
---

43
---

43
---

42
---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

43

---

43

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

43

43

43

43

-----------------------

43
43
43
------------45.5
---

-----------------------

-----------------------

-----------------------

-----------------------

43
43
43
----43
------45.5
46

42
43
43
----42
------45
46

42
--43
----42
------45.5
---

-----------------------

----43
46
----42.5
45.5
45
--46

--43
43
--45.5
46
45.5
42.5
45
42.5
46

--43
43
--45.5
46
45.5
42.5
45
42.5
46

--43
43
--45.5
45
45.5
42.5
45
42.5
46

--43
43
--44.5
45
45.5
42.5
45
42.5
45

ION-M17P/19P
ION-M17P/17P/17P
ION-M17P/17P/17P
Pseudo Omni
ION-M19P/19P/19P
Pseudo Omni
ION-M7P/7P/85P
ION-M7P/7P/85P/19P
ION-M7P/85P/17P/19P
ION-M17HP
ION-M19HP
ION-M85P/19HP
ION-M17P/19HP

CELL700
LTE
LMR800
Analog

iDEN

Product Code

---------------------

LMR700
Low Power
Medium Power
High Power

Case

43 43
43 43
43 43
--------43 43
------------45.5 45.5
46 46

--------43 43
46
----------42.5 42.5
45.5 45.5
45 45
----46
---

M
ML
ML
M
M
M
M
ION-M17HP/19P
M
ION-M17HP/19HP
ML
W ION-M7HP/7HP/85HP/19P
W ION-M85HP/17HP/19HP

Corresponding
Extension Unit
--------------ION-M17P EU
----ION-M17P EU /
ION-M7P/7P EU
--------------ION-M17P EU
--ION-M7P EU
-------

---

LMR700

CELL700
LTE

LMR800
Analog

iDEN

TETRA

P25

Cell850
Analog

GSM/EDGE

CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

LMR900

AWS1700
CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

PCS1900
GSM/EDGE

CDMA

UMTS*

LTE

Medium Power

ION-M Extension Units

---

43

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Corresponding
Remote Unit

Case

Product Code

ION-M7P EU

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

43

---

---

---

---

---

---

ION-M17P EU

ION-M19P
ION-M19HP
ION-M85P/19P

---

43

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

ION-M7P/7P EU

ION-M85P/19P

WARNING:
These remote units are NOT CONSUMER devices. They are designed for installation by FCC LICENSEES and QUALIFIED INSTALLERS. You MUST have an FCC LICENSE or express
consent of an FCC LICENSE to operate these devices. Unauthorized use may result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in excess of $ 100,000 for each continuing violation.

All values are composite output power.

*
**
***

HSPA+ measurements (including 64QAM) have been conducted. For further information contact PLM.
Please note: Additional Combining Unit (CU) required. Indicated output power on Remote Units without CU, losses must be considered.
Assuming 5 MHz carrier bandwidth.
7

Were proud to be a part

of your networks story.
Here at CommScope, we embrace our role as
a trusted resource, partner, and facilitator. We
create the infrastructure that connects the world
and evolves with every advance in technology.
By investing all of our capabilities, resources,
relationships, and products into your toughest
challenges, we continue our long history of solving
problems togetherpaving the way for new ideas
and fresh ways of thinking.
Were a trusted resource and partner around the
world because were invested in you: your people,
your networks, your success. It inspires us to build
relationships and infrastructure connect people
and technologies across protocols, oceans, and
time zones and share what we learn along the
way. Well never stop connecting and evolving
networks for the business of life at home, at work,
and on the go.
This is our promise to you.
This is CommScope.

www.commscope.com
Visit our website or contact your local CommScope representative for more information.
2013 CommScope, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks identified by or are registered trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc.
This document is for planning purposes only and is not intended to modify or supplement any specifications or warranties relating to CommScope products or services.
Bulletin BR-101136.9-EN (09/13)