Fronthaul is an essential element of the C-RAN (Centralized Radio Access Network) architecture in mobile networks, where processing power is centralized and distributed away from cell sites. This can help operators reduce the cost and power consumption of their on-site facilities, along with cell facility cooperation schemes that help improve mobile network capacity and coverage. In a C-RAN architecture, Common Public Radio Interfaces (CPRIs) and some next-generation fronthaul interfaces require ultra-low latency transport, often in the sub-millisecond range, to meet the stringent synchronization requirements of 4G and 5G technologies.
Nokia Bell Labs has validated that using next-generation XGS-PON (X = 10, G = Gigabit, S-PON = Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) PON technology meets these stringent timing constraints and provides the necessary capacity while reducing the cost of mobile cell transport. XGS-PON runs on existing fiber access networks and allows operators to leverage GPON platforms and technology to deliver high-capacity services. This is important for operators who increasingly need to support anyhaul applications. No longer requiring a separate network, operators can now use existing passive optical networks employed in Fiber-to-the-Home or Building (FTTH/FTTB) deployments to quickly and cost-effectively achieve the performance and coverage they need to handle mobile transport across their dense cell sites.
