5G C-RAN architecture: A comparison of multiple optical fronthaul networks

Abstract

The development of the fifth generation (5G) wireless technology is in progress to address the increasing demands for high capacity, low latency, and ubiquitous mobile access instigated by next-generation mobile and machine-centric applications. The Centralized/Cloud-Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture exploiting the small-cell paradigm has been identified as a promising approach to address the benchmarks of 5G networks. However, providing a reliable, cost-effective, and quality of service guaranteed end-To-end connectivity is one of the major challenges in 5G C-RAN. To identify the suitability of a fronthaul technology to satisfy the unprecedented demands of future 5G wireless network..