GPON-based front-end architecture for 5G networks

Abstract

This paper is regarding a GPON-based front-end for multiband 5G cellular networks operating at microwave and mm-waves frequencies. We propose to use an existing optics-fiber infrastructure as a front-end for future optical-wireless 5G networks, by means of applying gigabit-capable passive optical and radio over fiber technologies. Numerical simulations demonstrate the viability of providing 1 and 10 Gbps using the 6 and 38 GHz frequency bands, respectively, which have been considered potential for 5G systems. A performance analysis has been carried out as a function of 64-QAM constellations, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bit error rate (BER). The applicability of the proposed architecture is illustrated by simultaneously transmitting a baseband signal at 2.5 Gbps with BER as low as 10−10 and two different 5G signals at 6 and 38 GHz with SNR higher than 38 dB and BER of 10−3.