Radio-Over-Fiber(RoF) for 5G Fronthaul Transport

To address current and future capacity demands while supporting multiple wireless standards, Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) technology is poised to play a crucial role in the development of integrated optical-wireless networks. This technology, which combines microwave and optical networks to enable high-speed wireless access, is increasingly appealing as the anticipated data throughput in wireless communication rises and the industry adopts millimeter-wave frequencies for 5 G networks. The cost-effectiveness of the optoelectronic components used in RoF systems ensures that RoF technology will be pivotal in the design of future 5 G transport systems, including both backhaul and fronthaul applications. In this paper, we review the 5 G Fronthaul (F/H), Midhaul (M/H) and Backhaul (B/H) combinations and discuss the deployment of RoF technology for 5G fronthaul connectivity. [1]