5G eCPRI

Hello,

The Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) is an interface that sends data from remote radio units to base station units. Enhanced CPRI (eCPRI) is a way of splitting up the baseband functions to reduce traffic strain on the fiber.

Currently we use CPRI interface as fronthaul connection in 4G. Remote radio heads are distributed in towers across cities or suburban areas, for good coverage in built up areas. They are then connected to baseband units in centralised locations. The connection between the technology is what we know as ‘fronthaul’.

eCPRI will be used to support 5G by enabling increased efficiency. It will provide flexible radio data transmission through a packet based fronthaul network, for example IP or Ethernet. As 5G becomes increasingly present in our lives, the fiber between the radio units and baseband units will see an increase in traffic. To ensure we are not stretching the limits of the bandwidth when 5G is implemented, eCPRI will be introduced.

Not only will the radio interface be more efficient, it will also be more flexible. CPRI is a point-to-point interface, meaning that vendors will be exclusive within their own network. eCPRI will work on an open interface, allowing more convergence in the industry as carriers complement networks with shared equipment.

Thanks

Hello, friend!

With the introduction of new 5G applications, flexible fronthaul configurations are necessary. Issued after CPRI, eCPRI defines specifications connecting eREC and eRE via fronthaul transport network and mainly used for 5G systems, LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro. And eCPRI can balance important components of latency, throughput, and reliability requirements for advanced 5G applications, and it is expected to be used to support 5G by enabling increased efficiency. Besides, eCPRI is an open interface, allowing carriers to work together in a more complimentary way, which can bring about better connected and faster networks across the world.

Regards.