Beyond 5G Fronthaul Based on FSO Using Spread Spectrum Codes and Graphene Modulators

Abstract

High data rate coverage, security, and energy efficiency will play a key role in the continued performance scaling of next-generation mobile systems. Dense, small mobile cells based on a novel network architecture are part of the answer. Motivated by the recent mounting interest in free-space optical (FSO) technologies, this paper addresses a novel mobile fronthaul network architecture based on FSO, spread spectrum codes, and graphene modulators for the creation of dense small cells. The network uses an energy-efficient graphene modulator to send data bits to be coded with spread codes for achieving higher security before their transmission to remote units via high-speed FSO transmitters. Analytical results show the new fronthaul mobile network can accommodate up to 32 remote antennas under error-free transmissions with forward error correction. Furthermore, the modulator is optimized to provide maximum efficiency in terms of energy consumption per bit. The optimization procedure is carried out by optimizing both the amount of graphene used on the ring resonator and the modulator’s design. The optimized graphene modulator is used in the new fronthaul network and requires as low as 4.6 fJ/bit while enabling high-speed performance up to 42.6 GHz and remarkably using one-quarter of graphene only.

The concept, technical architecture, applications and impacts of satellite internet: A systematic literature review

“…(3) The Network layer is the core component for realising network heterogeneity and dynamics. Since the success of Satellite Internet requires a hybrid approach with highly dynamic elements that are always under the same communication channel, technologies such as network function virtualisation (NFV), software-defined network (SDN) and NS can significantly improve the degree of freedom of network configuration, quantum key distribution (QKD) and Blockchain can ensure endogenous security of the network, cognitive radio, artificial intelligence (AI), and IRS can optimise network performance by realising network autonomous optimisation, maintenance and perception [ 58 ], and network management centres are mainly responsible for radio resource scheduling and network planning [ 59 ]. Technologies in the network layer help provide large-scale, personalised network services while further reducing network operating costs.…”

Cooperative Terrestrial–Underwater FSO System: Design and Performance Analysis

“…This is in addition to the fact that FSO technologies offer broadband and high-speed transmissions far beyond those offered by radio frequency systems [5]. The inherent security of FSO technologies makes it difficult to intercept the transmitted optical signal, which has further contributed to the popularity of this technology, not only in traditional networking scenarios but also in mobile networks [6]. On the other hand, given the enormous interest aroused by all aspects of the marine environment and the need to develop wireless communication systems for underwater environments that can support emerging applications such as offshore installation monitoring, underwater robotics, and port security, to name a few, a rational objective has emerged to extend telecommunication networks into the underwater domain.…”