5th Generation wireless systems (5G) is next-generation network evolved from existing 4G/LTE network. It is expected to be deployed from the later part of 2018 and the following years. There are many new technologies being discussed for 5G such as Milimeter wave, Massive MIMO and others. The key features of 5G is higher capacity and lower latency which will support a higher density of mobile users as well as provide an ample foundation for IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (Machine to Machine) communications.
Figure 1: ITU 5G key capabilities
This means 5G network will bring
To have this 5G Network realized, Optical communication will be the cornerstone technology independent of various fronthaul options. The demand for high-rate optical transceivers will significantly increase because higher base-station/cell-site density is required for the 5G network.
At present, LTE base stations mainly use 10G optical transceivers. In 5G Network, it is expected that 25G / 100G optical transceivers shall be the preferred solutions of the optical fronthaul network.
Although it is still not clearly determined which fronthaul architecture will be used in 5G Network, it is apparent that network would employ both gray and color optics for 25Gbps based on 5G bandwidth requirement.
OE Solutions have played a major role in optical fronthaul networks to date supporting various RAN (Radio Access Network) architectures particularly with environmentally hardened feature. For 5G Network, OE Solutions has a complete portfolio of 10Gbps/25Gbps optical transceivers that is tailored for upcoming standards such as eCPRI/NGFI as well as traditional CPRI options.