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In our previous post, we discussed fronthaul and its growing presence and importance in 5G networks.
We understood that the basic driver behind fronthaul is making network densification more cost-efficient by utilizing lower-cost remote radios. We also realized that the main requirements from fronthaul transmission are higher capacity and lower latency.
In practice, things are a bit more complicated than that.
For instance, the drive towards fronthaul is not only lower-cost radio units, but also better coordination between adjacent radios in order to improve performance at the cell edges.
And when it come to planning and implementing fronthaul transmission, the considerations are wider than just “how much capacity?” is needed.
Let’s dive a bit into planning fronthaul transmission…
There are multiple parameters that we need to consider when planning a transmission link that will carry fronthaul traffic:
As you can imagine, the number of combinations of the above mentioned parameters are, practically, endless. The number of common scenarios, however, is much lower.
These scenarios will range from the simple architecture to the more complex architecture illustrated below:
Simple architecture
In this simple scenario, a single DU handles multiple RUs, which are located in different sites (1 per site) with a single generation (5G), a single band (sub-6GHz), a single interface (Ethernet) and a single hop.
More complex architecture
In this more complex scenario, we have a mixture of technologies (5G and 4G), a mixture of hauling types (5G fronthaul, 5G midhaul and 4G fronthaul), multiple hops and multiple bands (including millimeter wave 5G).
Though both architectures fit under the “fronthaul transmission” title, each will have different requirements and will call for a different solution.
Sizing these requirements, and selecting a fronthaul transport solution that will fit the different requirements and allow the required flexibility in deploying and developing 5G networks and services, are no small tasks. Indeed, these tasks require both attention and effort in the early stages of 5G network planning.
To learn more