Every Nokia base station module carries two identifiers you need when buying used equipment: a four- or five-letter module name (for example FSMF, ABIA, FRGU or AREA) and a sales code in the format six digits plus a letter (for example 472181A). The module name tells you the product family, and for radio modules usually the frequency band; the sales code identifies the exact hardware item. Matching both, together with the serial number, is the fastest way to confirm that a Flexi or AirScale unit is the one your site actually needs.
The Two Identifiers on a Nokia Module
Module name (product mnemonic)
Nokia names its Flexi Multiradio and AirScale hardware with short mnemonics. The first letter indicates the platform generation: names starting with F belong to the Flexi family, while most AirScale units start with A. The next letters identify the unit type. Common examples:
- FSM – Flexi System Module (for example FSMF)
- ASI – AirScale common (system/transport) plug-in unit (ASIA, ASIB)
- ABI – AirScale capacity (baseband) plug-in unit (ABIA, ABIO)
- AMI / AMO – AirScale indoor and outdoor subracks (AMIA, AMOB)
- FX / FR – Flexi RF modules and remote radio heads (FXED, FRGU, FRHF)
- AR / AH – AirScale RF modules and remote radio heads (AREA, ARGA, AHEGB)
The last letter normally marks a variant or hardware revision within the same family. FXEA, FXEB and FXED, for instance, are all Flexi 1800 MHz RF modules, but with different pipe counts and output power. Never treat two names that differ by one letter as interchangeable without checking the specifications.
Sales code
The sales code is Nokia’s orderable item number. It is printed on the type label and is the value purchasing teams, spare-part lists and network inventory systems usually reference. Flexi-era hardware typically has codes starting with 472, while AirScale hardware uses codes starting with 473, 474 or 475. On labels and in listings you will often see a suffix after a dot, such as 472849A.101; this suffix identifies a version of the same sales item. When you compare a unit with your spare-part list, match the base code first, then confirm whether your network or software release has any requirement on the version.
Reading the Band from Nokia RF Module Names
For radio units, the third letter of the name follows a consistent band pattern across Nokia’s Flexi and AirScale RF portfolio. This is not an official decoding table, but it holds for the modules listed in Nokia’s hardware roadmap and is a useful first check:
| Letter (3rd position) | Band | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| C | 850 MHz (B5) | FXCA, FXCB, ARCA |
| D | 900 MHz (B8) | FXDA, FXDB, FXDD, ARDA |
| E | 1800 MHz (B3) | FXEA, FXED, AREA, AHED |
| F | 1900 MHz (B2/B25) | FXFC, FHFB |
| G | 2100 MHz (B1) | FRGP, FRGU, ARGA, AHGA |
| H | 2600 MHz (B7) | FRHA, FRHF, ARHA |
| M | 800 MHz EU (B20) | FRMA, FRMF, ARMA |
| P | 700 MHz (B28) | FRPA, ARPA, AHPB |
Dual-band radio heads combine two band letters. AHEGB, for example, covers B1 and B3 (letters E and G). Always confirm the band with the label or datasheet, because a few legacy names do not follow the pattern strictly.
Reference Table: Common Nokia Modules and Sales Codes
The table below lists modules frequently traded on the used market. Codes and specifications are taken from Nokia hardware documentation and unit labels; where a code could not be verified it is left out.
| Module | Sales code | Type | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSMF | 472181A | Flexi Multiradio 10 System Module | GSM, WCDMA, LTE |
| AMIA | 473098A | AirScale indoor subrack | Holds common and capacity plug-in units |
| ASIA | 473095A | AirScale common plug-in unit | Transport and control |
| ASIB | 473764A | AirScale common plug-in unit | Higher-capacity successor to ASIA |
| ABIA | 473096A | AirScale capacity plug-in unit | GSM, WCDMA, LTE |
| ABIO | 475266A | AirScale capacity plug-in unit | LTE and 5G NR |
| FXED | 472924A | Flexi RFM 6-pipe 1800 360W | B3, 6 x 60 W |
| FRGU | 472956A | Flexi RFM 6-pipe 2100 360W | B1, 6 x 60 W |
| FRHF | 472849A | Flexi RF Module 6TX 2600 | B7 |
| AREA | 474198A | AirScale RFM 6T6R 1800 | B3, 6 x 80 W (480 W) |
| ARDA | 474840A | AirScale RFM 6T6R 900 | B8, 480 W |
How to Check a Used Nokia Unit’s Identity
1. Compare name, code and band
Read the module name and sales code on the type label and make sure they belong together. An FXED label should show a 1800 MHz module; if the band printed elsewhere on the unit or in the listing contradicts the name, ask for clarification before ordering.
2. Confirm the serial number
The serial number on the label should be legible and should match the serial reported by the system module once the unit is commissioned. Ask your supplier for clear photos of the label, and record the serial number on receipt so you can track the unit in your inventory and warranty records.
3. Match the unit to your system module and software
Correct hardware identity does not guarantee it will work on your site. Flexi RF modules such as FRGU and FXED are normally run from a Flexi system module like the FSMF, while AirScale radios such as the AREA are commonly connected to AirScale baseband built from ASIA/ASIB and capacity units like the ABIA. Check that your software release supports the exact module name, and confirm the optical interface and SFP types on both ends. If you are planning a migration, our guide on the Nokia FSMF to AirScale upgrade path explains which parts can be reused.
4. Watch for one-letter differences
Pairs such as FRHC and FRHF, or FRME and FRMF, share a band but differ in output power or generation. When a spare-part list names a specific module, order that module, or confirm with your planning team that the alternative is approved for the site configuration.
FAQ
Where is the sales code printed on a Nokia module?
It is printed on the type label together with the module name and serial number. On RF modules and radio heads the label is usually on the housing; on AirScale plug-in units it is on the unit itself rather than the subrack.
Is the module name enough to order a replacement?
It is a good starting point, but use the sales code as well. The sales code is the precise item reference and avoids confusion between closely named variants.
What does the number after the dot in a code like 472849A.101 mean?
It indicates a version of the same sales item. Units with the same base code are the same product; check your operator or vendor guidelines if your network specifies a minimum version.
Can a Flexi RF module be used with AirScale baseband?
Many Flexi radios can be reused when a site moves to AirScale, which is one of the common reasons buyers source used Flexi RF modules. Support depends on the module and software release, so verify against your release documentation before deployment.
Source Tested Nokia Modules
Browse our full range of used and refurbished Nokia Flexi and AirScale equipment. Every unit is functionally tested before shipment, and radio units such as RF modules and RRUs are also VSWR tested. All equipment comes with a 90-day warranty, and we ship worldwide in secure packaging. Send us the module name and sales code you need via WhatsApp +86 187 3329 4669 / +86 139 3088 8705, email jack@telecombts.com, or use the form on our contact page. We also buy surplus Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia equipment — see sell your equipment.