A novel end-to-end transport network solution is proposed to meet the operational and technical challenges of heterogeneous networks built as C-RANs with centralized base band processing and CPRI links. The flexibility of the proposed architecture to support distributed architectures and Ethernet links is also described and the results of a C-RAN proof of concept demonstration are discussed. Substantiated by the evolution of key optical technologies, including a novel WDM-PON based solution, we conclude that backhaul and metro network strategies need to flexibly support both centralized and distributed radio baseband solutions, as well as being multiservice capable. Additionally, as a complement to fiber, we propose use of the 70/80 GHz frequency band (E-band) to provide high performance microwave links for both centralized and distributed architectures.
Keywords-Centralized baseband, WDM-PON, 70/80GHz Eband microwave, CPRI, C-RAN, Heterogenous networkI.
In this paper we investigate the feasibility of using microwave frequencies for fixed non-line-of-sight wireless backhauling connecting small-cell radio base stations with an aggregation node in an outdoor urban environment, i.e. a typical heterogeneous network scenario. We study system level simulations for a point-to-point system where the wave propagation is based on diffraction over rooftops. We further investigate the effects of carrier frequency, interference, antenna height, rain, and tolerance to antenna alignment errors. It is found that the higher frequencies offer not only larger bandwidths but also higher antenna gains which would ideally work to their advantage. However, these advantages may be lost when taking antenna alignment errors and rain into account. Different frequencies simply have their different trade-offs.
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