Hello, everyone!
5G is a very popular topic today. Much is expected of 5G mobile telephony. One of the main problems for mobile operators is the transport network. This article is dedicated to that. Let’s get started!
For the realization of 5G, a large number of small cells is required, about 2000 per 1 km2. Small cells trade at high frequencies and cover a small geographic area but have large bandwidth. Similar to 5GHz and 2.5GHz on a wireless device. Because they cover a small surface, many small cells are needed.
Source: https://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/broadband/help/5G-UK-networks-coverage
And now we come to the topic of this article. The main question is how to connect all the small cells.
Mobile operators are looking for an economical solution. Telecommunication operators have built-in FTTH PON networks, which can play a key role in transport for 5G.
PON technology needs to meet the high demands of a mobile transportation network. The two most important requirements are:
bandwidth and
latency.
The mobile transport network has three segments:
Backhaul segment between CU (Central Unit) and NC (Network Core), no excessive bandwidth and latency requirements.
Midhaul is located between DU (Distributed Unit) and CU, has higher bandwidth requirements than backhaul segment. There is no excessive demand for latency.
Fronthaul segment is located between RU (Radio Units) and DU. This segment has high requirements for both bandwidth and latency.
Source: https://fiberguide.net/photonic-band-gap-fibers-could-help-mitigate-the-latency-challenge-in-5g-transport-networks/
Currently, GPON technology with 2.5/1.25 Gbps is enough for 4G but not for 5G. As a result, many operators already use XGS-PON. This qualifies for backhaul and midhaul, and in rare cases for fronthaul. In urban areas, with a large number of users, 25GPON or 50GPON is required for the fronthaul. These migrations to the new PON standards solve the bandwidth problem. Next is latency.
PON technology is good enough in terms of latency for both backhaul and midhaul. Fronthaul is already more demanding, so we are working on improving and standardizing the PON that will meet this requirement (new innovative ranging processes, multiple bursts per frame per ONT to reduce the inter-burst delay and the O-RAN defined Cooperative Transport interface). Everything is expected to be ready in 2022.
This is the end of this article. In the next article, I will continue to write about this topic >> 5G and FTTH (2).
Thank you!
Reference:
https://fiberguide.net/photonic-band-gap-fibers-could-help-mitigate-the-latency-challenge-in-5g-transport-networks/
https://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/broadband/help/5G-UK-networks-coverage
https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14184543/5g-mobile-transport-and-the-essential-role-of-pon
http://www.mobilagenda.no/wp-content/uploads/5_Jorn-Jensen-Nokia-Broadband-Anyhaul.pdf
https://www.capacitymedia.com/articles/3829380/fibre-for-5g
https://www.telecompetitor.com/add-pon-anyhaul-for-5g-to-the-long-list-of-fiber-broadband-benefits/
https://www.nokia.com/blog/quantifying-cost-benefits-ftth-5g-transport/
https://www.nokia.com/blog/25g-pon-5g-anyhaul/
