A Performance Comparison of Gigabit-Capable Backhauling Solutions for 5G Cellular Networks

Abstract

A high-capacity, flexible, cost, and energy efficient backhaul network based on the convergence of optical and wireless technologies is proposed this research work. The proposed backhaul network, which is deployed on wavelength-division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM-PON), supports three backhauling solutions including pure WDM-PON, hybrid WDM-PON/free-space optics (FSO), and hybrid WDM-PON/millimeter-wave (MMW) radio frequency (RF). We firstly have developed mathematical models for performance analysis of the downlink for three comparative backhaul solutions. We then theoretically and comprehensively analyzed the system performance while considering various system parameters such as the total distance, wireless link distance, splitting ratio, amplifier gain, and the bit rate as well as key environment parameters including rain attenuation and atmospheric turbulence. We have also compared the performance of the three alternative backhaul solutions to verify the trade-off between the system performance and the system flexibility/mobility. The numerical results verify the system performance of each backhaul solution. It is demonstrated that combination of these approaches can exploit PON, FSO and RF technologies to provide a flexible and gigabit-bandwidth-capable solution for the fifth generation (5G) backhaul networks.