5G-DRIVE · 5G DRIVEn Resource Efficient Mobile Aggregation Networks

The fifth generation (5G) cellular networks set ambitious goals that require technological advances in both wireless and transport network infrastructures, especially regarding cost and carbon footprint. In this context, a promising architecture for 5G aggregation networks is the recently proposed Claud-Radio Access Network (C-RAN). However, it will face the serious challenges related to (1) efficient use of network resources, (2) low-latency requirements, and (3) scalability. Seems that optical aggregation networks based on wavelength division multiplexing are the outstanding candidates to meet high-capacity and low-latency requirements. However, to reduce cost and power consumption, there has been a recent push towards the consolidation of the network by merging the access and metro transport where flexible-grid transmission is also considered. This becomes questionable in the context of the traditional C-RAN. Therefore, alternatives are being analysed including different function splits between cell-site and baseband equipment, and millimetre-wave carriers instead of optical carriers for interconnecting cell-site equipment and access central office. Hence, 5G-DRIVE project aims to explore the impact of transport cost and wireless channel (de-) aggregation technique on resource efficiency (cost, spectrum, power consumption) and service availability in aggregation network that uses optical or millimetre-wave carriers for interconnecting cell-site and baseband equipment.