Infrastructure for 5G Networks.
While this may not be the first time you've heard that 5G is here, then, it might be more meaningful and motivating to understand its architecture. While the communications industry has boosted 5G for many years, 2019 marks the formal launch of 5G NR ( New radio) roll outs around the world. Certainly, there is high enthusiasm for a new set of applications that make use of the massive E2E (end-to-end) performance that 5G will provide across the network.
5G Technology is expected to provide significant changes in communication across the globe. so, it is important to recognize that 5G has two components overall: wireless and wireline. The fact is: both network components are correlated. 5G technology is driven by multiple wireless connectivity features that are broadly classified (ITU - 3GPP standards) into enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), with data rates 100 time faster than what is as of today; the wireline component contributions must be ready to support an upwards of 1,000 times more data flowing across it. To deliver on this promise, 5G will demand that the network supporting it, be as flexible as the services running on it.
Considering 5G network solutions, an interesting opportunity is how to support those features on the same network. An equal important contribution is the evolution of the cross-haul (front-haul, mid-haul, back-haul) connecting 5G nodes that enable the key 5G wireless connectivity features. All those, represent unprecedented opportunities for CSP’s ( Communication services providers ) and Enterprises to generate and deliver new services and experiences.
As opportunities arise, challenges also need to be considered. Looking into the challenges that CSP’s face, for them it is imperative to develop and monetize 5G services. Another challenge is creating new applications with low latency, high efficiency, agility, and reducing TCO (Total cost ownership) by adopting excellence in optical network infrastructure. Conversely, the enterprise challenges involve: providing reliable coverage in building and in edge areas, and supplying connectivity tuned to the needs of applications such as Wi-Fi6, IoT, AR, Video. Once these challenges are met, the capacity of optical networks needs to be increased.
Another important topic is the need for an optical network technology transformation to re-imagine 5G. Cross-haul networks will need to propel a high degree of fiber density including fiber cable solutions to lay out a complete data transmission and be able to anticipate sensing capabilities in the fiber spectrum from the O-band to L-band up to U-band.
Many of CSPs claim to be 5G ready; however, current 5G investments have deployments of 5G New Radio (5G NR) technology at cell sites. These New Radios enable faster wireless speeds, but they just represent the first step in implementing full 5G networks. When wireless conversations are in place, fiber-optic technology is often overlooked, however, fiber is essential. Then, identifying the right fiber technology for deploying a 5G network is the key to making the customers’ 5G experiences a reality, better than 4G as well as have the use cases pays off.
BendBrightXS , BendBright A2, FlexRibbon?, Microduct Technology, Mini FlexTube?, are Prysmian Group fiber technologies to help achieve 5G goals including fiber backwards compatibility, fiber management which is critical in tight spaces, to move data from radio devices to a fiber optic connection, 10X fast, reliable to help drive advancements for industry 4.0, V2x, Telehealth, smart farming, distance learning, real-time telemetry as well as small cell sites.
As 5G progress, it will enable great network experiences and services, create new revenue models, allows users to get applications access closer to where services are consumed, including deployments at edge locations in wireline and 4G/5G mobile networks, at remote operator sites: central offices, radio towers, small cell sites, or even directly at the customer premises. This progress is gradual and a network journey where Prysmian Group fiber technology commitment can help to adapt to a new 5G architecture.