Chapter 8 - Converged fiber-wireless networks

Abstract

Wireless networks have become a viable way to provide broadband access and replace fixed wireline connections in some use cases. Fiber fronthaul and backhaul have become an essential part of modern wireless network infrastructure. We start this chapter with a review of the architectures of broadband wireless networks and the tradeoff in propagation, spectral capacity and regulatory constraints with respect to different wireless frequency bands. Then we dive into how fiber and wireless access technologies can be used together to achieve the maximum benefits for operators. There are significant overlaps between radio access networks (RANs) and fiber access networks in modern wireless infrastructure. Concepts such as C-RAN will be reviewed in this chapter. A converged fiber and wireless network, from physical layer to control and data planes, can help operators to simplify the network infrastructure and streamline operations. We draw the similarities and differences between wireless and fiber access networks in this chapter.