Which One Is the Option for 5G Fronthaul? 10G, 25G or 100G? 

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5G is expected to be implemented in the following years. To have this 5G network realized, optical communication will be the cornerstone technology independent of various fronthaul options. The demand for high-rate optical transceivers will significantly increase because higher base-station density is required for the 5G network.

Although it is still not clearly determined which fronthaul architecture will be used in the 5G network, it is apparent that the network would employ both grey and color optics for 25Gbps based on 5G bandwidth requirement.

Grey and Color Optics

The light in WDM systems is carried over different wavelengths compliant with specific standards.

To distinguish wavelengths in different systems, the wavelengths in WDM systems are called colored light whereas the wavelengths in common optical systems are called grey light.

Grey light is within a certain wavelength range and does not have a standard wavelength, for example, the light at client-side optical ports of WDM devices.

Colored light is WDM-side optical signals of the OTN or line boards in a WDM system. The signals can be directly transmitted to multiplexer devices and have standard wavelengths.

Colored light is divided into CWDM and DWDM light, depending on wavelength division standards.

For 5G network, Gigalight has a complete portfolio of 10Gbps and 25Gbps optical transceivers that are tailored for upcoming standards such as eCPRI/NGFI as well as traditional CPRI options.

Gigalight 25G SFP28 transceivers also play in a critical role in the growing bandwidth demand in next generation access networks such as 5G wireless. While interface developments, like the recently released eCPRI specifications, will help improve bandwidth efficiency, the 5G wireless infrastructure will require significantly higher capacity in the optical links. Compact,  power and cost-efficient 25G transceivers supporting both Ethernet and CPRI-10 while exposed to the elements will play a key role in supporting the rollout of this next generation wireless infrastructure.

Conclusion

At present, 10G optical transceivers were mainly used in LTE base stations.  In the 5G network, it is expected that 25G and even 100G optical transceivers shall be the preferred solutions of the optical fronthaul network.

Which One Is the Option for 5G Fronthaul? 10G, 25G or 100G? ultima modifica: 2019-05-17T08:57:42+02:00da LafiteTian