The Nokia AREA and ARDA are two members of the same AirScale RF Module family. Both are 6T6R outdoor radios with 6 x 80 W output, three 9.8 Gbps CPRI ports and the same housing, so one unit can serve a full three-sector site. The real difference is the band: AREA (474198A) covers Band 3, 1800 MHz, while ARDA (474840A) covers Band 8, 900 MHz. That band choice decides which radio technologies you typically run on it, which older Flexi module it replaces, and which antennas and filters it needs on site.
This guide compares the two modules side by side, explains where each one fits, and lists what to check before buying either unit used or refurbished.
What AREA and ARDA have in common
Nokia designed the AirScale 6T6R RF Modules (RFMs) so that a single box replaces three separate 2T2R radios. Six transmit and six receive paths give two TX/RX branches per sector across three sectors. According to Nokia’s AirScale hardware roadmap and swap project material, both AREA and ARDA share these characteristics:
- 6 TX / 6 RX paths, up to 80 W per path (480 W total)
- Full-band instantaneous and occupied bandwidth for their band
- 3 x SFP+ optical ports for CPRI at 9.8 Gbps
- Approx. 21 litres volume and about 23 kg weight
- IP65 outdoor enclosure, 4.3-10 antenna connectors
- Multi-RAT operation, with the RAT mix defined by software
- Connection to the Flexi Multiradio 10 system module (FSMF) as well as to AirScale baseband
Because the mechanics, power class and fronthaul are the same, AREA and ARDA are often deployed together on one site: ARDA for the 900 MHz coverage layer and AREA for the 1800 MHz capacity layer, both connected to the same system module.
Nokia AREA vs ARDA: specification comparison
The table below lists the figures published in Nokia’s AirScale documentation. The ARGA, the Band 1 member of the same family, is included for reference.
| Item | Nokia AREA | Nokia ARDA | Nokia ARGA (reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product code | 474198A | 474840A | 474800A |
| Band | Band 3 (1800 MHz) | Band 8 (900 MHz) | Band 1 (2100 MHz) |
| Downlink (TX) | 1805–1880 MHz | 925–960 MHz | 2110–2170 MHz |
| Uplink (RX) | 1710–1785 MHz | 880–915 MHz | 1920–1980 MHz |
| Configuration | 6T6R, 6 x 80 W | 6T6R, 6 x 80 W | 6T6R, 6 x 80 W |
| Typical RATs | GSM and LTE, NR-ready | GSM, WCDMA and LTE | WCDMA and LTE |
| Fronthaul | 3 x CPRI 9.8 Gbps | 3 x CPRI 9.8 Gbps | 3 x CPRI 9.8 Gbps |
| Volume / weight | Approx. 21 l / 23 kg | Approx. 21 l / 23 kg | Under 25 l / under 25 kg (target) |
| Protection class | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Antenna connectors | 6 x 4.3-10 | 6 x 4.3-10 | 4.3-10 |
Key differences explained
1. Band and coverage role
Band 8 at 900 MHz propagates further and penetrates buildings better than Band 3 at 1800 MHz. Operators therefore use the Nokia ARDA for wide-area and indoor coverage, especially in rural areas and along roads. The Nokia AREA is the typical capacity layer in urban and suburban sites, where 1800 MHz carries most of the LTE traffic.
2. Available spectrum
Band 3 offers 75 MHz of paired spectrum, against 35 MHz in Band 8. Both modules cover their full band, so the AREA can host wider or more carriers. Nokia’s swap material describes AREA as prepared for up to four LTE or NR carriers plus up to four GSM TRX. On ARDA, the narrower band is usually shared between a GSM layer, WCDMA or LTE carriers that have been refarmed from 2G and 3G.
3. Radio technology mix
Nokia lists GSM, WCDMA and LTE for ARDA, with the mix defined by software. This makes ARDA a common choice where a 900 MHz GSM layer must stay on air while LTE900 is introduced. For AREA, Nokia lists GSM and LTE and describes the hardware as 5G-ready, with NR carrier bandwidths of 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz in Band n3. Actual NR support always depends on the software release, baseband and licences of your network.
4. What each module replaces
Both modules are the AirScale successors of Flexi Multiradio RF modules. On 1800 MHz, the AREA typically replaces the Flexi FXED (6 x 60 W, 60 MHz bandwidth, 3 x 6 Gbps OBSAI), giving higher power per path, full-band coverage and CPRI 9.8 Gbps fronthaul. On 900 MHz, the ARDA takes over from Flexi Band 8 modules on sites that move to 6T6R three-sector configurations. For a deeper look at the older Flexi modules, see our article Nokia FRMF vs FXED vs FRHF.
5. Site planning
Because the housing, weight and connectors are the same, the mounting kit, DC cabling and fibre plan are almost identical for both units. The differences on site are in the RF path: antennas, jumpers, combiners or diplexers must match 900 MHz for ARDA and 1800 MHz for AREA. On multiband sites, confirm how the two modules share antenna ports before installation.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose ARDA for a 900 MHz coverage layer, for GSM900 or UMTS900 sites that are being refarmed to LTE, or as a like-for-like spare in an existing ARDA fleet.
- Choose AREA for a 1800 MHz capacity layer, for GSM1800/LTE1800 sites, for FXED swaps, or where you plan NR on Band n3 later.
- Choose both for a two-layer site. One ARDA plus one AREA covers three sectors on 900 and 1800 MHz with only two radios, connected to an FSMF or an AirScale system module such as the Nokia AMIA with ABIA cards.
If you also run Band 1, the Nokia ARGA completes the family. Our earlier article Nokia FRGU vs ARGA covers that module in detail.
What to check when buying a used AREA or ARDA
- Product code: read the label. 474198A is AREA (Band 3) and 474840A is ARDA (Band 8). Record the version suffix and serial number.
- Software release: confirm that your system module software supports the module and the RAT mix you plan, especially for GSM plus LTE or NR on one radio.
- Connectors: inspect the six 4.3-10 antenna ports, the three SFP+ cages and the DC connector for damage, corrosion or missing caps.
- Housing and seals: check for cracks, damaged gaskets and missing covers, since the IP65 rating depends on them.
- Test results: ask for a functional test and a VSWR test on all six paths, with no hardware alarms.
- Accessories: mounting brackets, SFP modules and power connectors are often supplied separately, so confirm what is included.
FAQ
Can an AREA replace an ARDA?
No. The two modules look the same and use the same mounting and fronthaul, but AREA works only in Band 3 (1800 MHz) and ARDA only in Band 8 (900 MHz). Choose the module that matches your licensed spectrum.
Do AREA and ARDA work with the Flexi FSMF?
Yes. Nokia lists FSMF and AirScale system modules for this RFM family, so they can be connected to a Flexi FSMF or to AirScale baseband, subject to the software release.
How many sectors can one module serve?
With six TX and six RX paths, one module typically serves three sectors with 2T2R each, for example a 1+1+1 or 2+2+2 configuration with 2×2 MIMO downlink.
Do AREA and ARDA support 5G NR?
Nokia describes the AirScale RFM hardware as 5G-ready and lists NR carrier bandwidths for AREA on Band n3. Whether NR can run on a specific unit depends on your baseband, software release and licences.
Buy tested Nokia AirScale RF modules
We supply used and refurbished Nokia AREA, ARDA and ARGA RF modules, plus Flexi radios and AirScale baseband in our Nokia category. Every unit is functionally tested before shipment, and radio units are also VSWR tested. All units come with a 90-day warranty, and we ship worldwide in secure packaging. Contact us on WhatsApp at +86 187 3329 4669 or +86 139 3088 8705, email jack@telecombts.com, or use the form on our contact page with the product code and quantity you need.
We also buy surplus Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia equipment. See sell your equipment.