Comparative analysis of technologies for implementing the optical fronthaul in 5G networks

Abstract

Fronthaul in 5G networks provides communication between the radio unit (RU) and the baseband unit (BBU), using optical technologies most often for low latency and high throughput. The main technologies – dark fiber, xWDM, microwave radio links and TSN – vary in interfaces, topology, and efficiency. This article analyzes these technologies, highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each, and identifies the most effective areas of practical application.