Wired and Wireless Links to Bridge Networks: Seamlessly Connecting Radio and Optical Technologies for 5G Networks

Abstract

As fifth-generation (5G) technology is expected to offer super-broadband mobile services with new features such as low latency for critical applications and low-power operation for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, it will use wireless interfaces for small or spot cells with a new RF resource, the high band (frequencies above 6 GHz), in addition to the low band (below 6 GHz) on macro and small cells coexisting with conventional mobile technologies [1]-[4]. Another feature of 5G wireless interfaces is more precise control of radio waves in space division through the use of multi-antenna technologies, such as massive multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) or beamforming [5].