Technology development for next-generation RF systems is driven by spectrum access and size, weight, and power (SWaP). Fiber optic cabling allows hundreds of GHz of electrical bandwidth to be distributed through multiple kilometers while experiencing less attenuation (0.2dB/km) than a meter of coaxial cable. Coaxial and waveguide cabling also weighs almost 10 times as much as fiber, which is critical on airborne or seaborne vehicles where RF front-ends may be physically dislocated from transmitter components. (Credit: Rob Felt, Georgia Tech)
