Using FTTH networks for 5G system deployment: A case study in Brazil

Abstract

This paper investigates possible topologies for implementing 5G technology using the installed optical fiber networks. It considers that current installed switches are equipped with optical line terminals that support passive optical networking (PON). As 5G mobile systems operate as a dense network, the radio coverage area requires a large number of antennas since each access point is limited. In this scenario, the optical fiber infrastructure available for fiber to the home (FTTH) services is being considered as a viable solution for 5G implementation. The results of our studies show that to efficiently use the existing networks require an upgrade to the edge assets, as well as a new configuration in the topologies of PON most deployed today.