2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave

LOGIN
WHITE BUYER'S INNOVATION ON JOIN
SUBSCRIBE VIDEOS PAPERS WEBCASTS GUIDE REVIEWS TOPIC MAGAZINE

NETWORK DESIGN FTTX NETWORK AUTOMATION DATA CENTER 5G MOBILE TEST OPTICAL TECH BUSINESS

5G MOBILE

The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul

The mass deployment of a dense network of base stations will lead to a major infrastructural challenge that is rarely
discussed when 5G networks are planned: How are all these towers going to be connected?
David Levi
Nov. 30, 2020

LATEST IN 5G MOBILE

5G Mobile
Frontier to provide fiber
infrastructure to support
AT&T’s mobile services
Stephen Hardy Feb. 21, 2023

Transmission
SiFotonics’ 100G-ER1-40,
View Image Gallery 8x100G-ER1-nWDM SFP56-
DD transceivers now…
Stephen Hardy Feb. 9, 2023

There has been a lot of publicity recently for China’s leading role in 5G Packet Transport
Virgin Media O2 upgrades its
deployment, primarily focused on the installation of over 600,000 5G core IP backbone network
towers and base stations throughout the country. While this is with Juniper Networks
Stephen Hardy Jan. 24, 2023
significantly more than any other country has built, it is a mere fraction of
the total number of towers that will be required for China to offer true
nationwide 5G coverage.

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 1/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave
5G Mobile
To drive and sustain the required high bandwidth in 5G, the wireless radio
Vitex offers extended-temp
channels had to be adjusted toward using a millimeter-wave band. 200G AOC breakout cable
Although this has the ability to support higher capacities, it comes with Stephen Hardy Dec. 16, 2022

one major drawback: distance. Millimeter waves can drive large High-Speed Networks

throughputs, but the signal radius is reduced from 1 km in 4G radio to FCC takes further steps to
bar Huawei, ZTE telecom
only 100 m (or even less, depending on the terrain). This necessarily equipment from U.S.…

means that 5G requires more access points for the same coverage as 4G. In Stephen Hardy Nov. 30, 2022

fact, estimates range from between 20-50 times more antennas are
required, which means it could take as many as 10 million towers before
China can achieve complete 5G penetration.

Similarly, as North American and European operators are rolling out their
5G offerings, they are touting nationwide coverage. The truth is that there
is no such thing as a nationwide network for 5G yet. Operators have begun
their rollouts by testing the network with towers that can reach pockets
within certain cities and in rural areas that struggled to receive 4G signals.
Until there are enough towers in place to provide coverage wherever and
whenever, there will be limited 5G service in every country in the world.

This mass deployment of a dense network of base stations will lead to a

major infrastructural challenge that is rarely discussed when 5G networks
are planned: How are all these towers going to be connected?

Whereas in legacy 4G network architecture, a base station was co-located

with each tower, requiring a large physical space complete with backup
battery and temperature control, 5G networks have separated the data
processing within the distributed unit (DU) from the signal-bearing radio
unit (RU). Moving DUs to telco central offices at the edge of the access
network reduces both the size and cost of base stations, which is critical
given the significantly greater number of towers (Figure 1).

Figure 1. 5G mobile networks have several parts that will need to be connected.

Most 3G/4G cell towers use microwave technology for connectivity as a

main backhaul element; however, 5G networks will be deployed based on
cloud RAN topology where antenna-sector data will run directly over fiber
towards DUs. Such data will require 10-Gbps to 25-Gbps connections,
which is at the high end for microwave technology.

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 2/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave

Plus, the physical separation of the DU from the RU requires a much

greater reliance on fiber to bridge between them. Moreover, that fiber
must now accommodate much larger capacity to meet 5G bandwidth
requirements, which can extend to as much 20 times the required capacity
of 4G LTE. And these fiber connections must enable extremely low latency
of up to 10 times less delay than LTE.

The first option would be to lay all new fiber to connect these millions of
radio towers. But this would result in a huge delay, fraught with logistical
constraints and a major added cost for operators.

The benefits of 5G cannot be fully realized until operators can find a way
to address these tremendous infrastructure expenses. It is therefore
important for operators to optimize the cost of deploying their towers and
the last-mile transport to reach the base stations. To do so, it makes sense
to maximize capacity within the RAN by exploiting existing fiber
infrastructure.

Therefore, the logical solution is to use passive optical networks (PONs)

where they are already available for fiber-to-the-home connectivity. PONs
can enable the 5G data to be transported via fiber s from the radio towers
to the RAN.

The opportunity for PON

PON is flexible, reliable, and efficient enough to provide fronthaul

transport for both cellular and fixed broadband in a single network, which
is a huge advantage over other distribution networks that require different
types of distribution for different technologies.

In many countries, there is an existing PON network that is deployed to

enable broadband fiber-to-the-home/business (FTTx). For 5G to reach
home and enterprise locations, there also must be a connection from the
millions of radio antennas to the RAN. By using an architecture based on
the point-to-multipoint tree topology of PON, operators can reduce the
amount of trunk fibers that are used.

Existing FTTx networks are large and extensive, with sufficient line and
port resources as well as the necessary optical devices and power supply.
PON offers resilience, such that connectivity is maintained even if a line is
disconnected. Most of all, PON reduces networking costs by reusing
existing fiber and optical filters, and it can handle various traffic streams
with much greater capacity than other transport options.

As such, existing PON fiber is an ideal conduit and cost-effective solution

for transporting 5G traffic from the RUs to the DUs and perhaps even
onward to the rest of the access network.
https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 3/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave

PON options

There are different flavors of PON that are being discussed as possible
options for 5G infrastructure. FTTH has a maximum requirement at
present of GPON, which can provide a top capacity of about 2.5-Gbps
downstream and 1.2-Gbps upstream. But fronthaul requires significantly
more capacity, such as XGS-PON, which can offer 10-Gbps upstream and
downstream, on the road toward 25G PON.

ADVERTISEMENT

Many operators are now seeking support for WDM-PON (sometimes

called Combined PON – CPON), which overlays new wavelengths onto
legacy PON networks without compromising the bandwidth of the existing
fixed broadband service. For example, a single fiber could make use of
four colors (wavelengths) within the fiber for GPON (two upstream and
two downstream) to serve both GPON for FTTH and XGS-PON for 5G
fronthaul on the same fiber. Thus, the same existing infrastructure and
same optics can be used both to reach the home and to connect from the
RU to the DU (Figure 2).

The most recent flavor being

proposed is NG-PON2, which can
handle up to 40 Gbps in each
direction over PON by using eight
wavelengths of XGS-PON. This then
requires a tunable receiver in each
endpoint to be able to differentiate
and supervise the various colors.
Figure 2. PON enables the use of the same
Because of its tremendous transport network to support both broadband services
delivery as well as 5G fronthaul.
capacity, it has the potential to
extend the PON network to also connect midhaul between DUs and
central units (CU) even deeper into the radio access network.

There is one primary limitation implicit in the use of PON for 5G. Because
PON is a TDMA protocol, there is naturally added delay between the
arrival of the traffic and the response to permit delivery. This can pose as

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 4/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave

much as a millisecond delay, which is very significant in 5G terms. That

said, WDM-PON has shown promise as a low-latency fronthaul transport
option.

Otherwise, there has not been a lot of progress related to overcoming

latency issues in fronthaul to date, although there have been various
solutions proposed to address this limitation. One such proposal makes
use of the DU and CU to notify an OLT whenever a user in its region is
accessing the 5G network, so that bandwidth can be allocated in advance
without the need to wait for permission.

ADVERTISEMENT

PON and 5G match well

Certainly as more 5G networks are advanced toward mass deployment,

and as PONs are recognized as cost-efficient, high-capacity means of
deploying 5G transport from antenna to RAN, more effort will be
dedicated toward working around and reducing the latency to meet the 5G
benchmarks.

Ultimately, PON differentiates itself to service providers as the optimal 5G

fronthaul transport option because it is readily available and it offers a
single distribution network for both fixed broadband and cellular data
transport. But PON also provides value because it is simple to install, it
scales and can be configured easily based on demand, it is interoperable
with other deployed networking architectures, and it is extremely reliable.
Most of all, PON optimizes operator costs, which is critical at a time when
so much infrastructure expense is being allocated toward implementing
the necessarily dense network of towers that are the backbone of 5G.

David Levi is the CEO and founder of Ethernity Networks. Prior to

Ethernity, David was granted two U.S. patents regarding GPON protocol-
related inventions. He founded Broadlight, which created BPON and
GPON components and was acquired by Broadcom.

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 5/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave

Sign up for Lightwave eNewsletters

Email Address SIGN UP

Mergers & Acquisitions 5G Mobile

BAI Communications closes ADVA adds time-sensitive

ZenFi Networks buy
ZenFi’s operates more than 1100 route miles
of fiber throughout the New York and New
Jersey metro area that connects into major
data centers and points of presence in 65
network...
Stephen Hardy Nov. 23, 2022
networking to FSP 150-XG418
The MEF 3.0-certified ADVA FSP 150-
XG418 is a multi-layer 100-Gbps
demarcation device that now features
express forwarding for ultra-low latency
transport.
Stephen Hardy Nov. 11, 2022

5G Mobile 5G Mobile Optical Tech

Resource Management: A Key
Success Factor for 5G Networks
Hybrid networks, combined with the
growing interest in an Open Radio Access
Network (Open RAN) strategy and
continuous mergers, is placing a particular
focus on the need for end...
Ulrich Schälling Nov. 5, 2022
6G: What It Means for the Access Nominations now accepted for
Network 2023 Lightwave Innovation
Even as we deploy 5G technology, talk has Reviews
already begun about a “6G” and what that The deadline for submissions is November
may look like. 27, 2022. Vendors who submit their entries
Josh Simer Nov. 3, 2022 by the October 23, 2022 “early bird
deadline” will receive a discount off the
regular submission...
Lightwave Staff Oct. 6, 2022

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 6/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM
Mergers & Acquisitions
BAI Communications to acquire
ZenFi Networks
ZenFi provides digital infrastructure for
small cell deployment, offload and roaming
services, fiber connectivity, and network
edge colocation.
Stephen Hardy Aug. 2, 2022
DWDM & ROADM
U.S. Huawei/ZTE replacement
program short more than $3
billion: FCC
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel
informed Congress in a letter to several
members that if more funds aren’t
forthcoming, only highest-priority
applicants will receive funding...
Stephen Hardy July 19, 2022
https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul
The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave
Mergers & Acquisitions
Orange, MASMOVIL agree to
combine Spanish operations
The agreement includes a right to trigger an
IPO under certain conditions for both
parties after a defined period; in such a
scenario Orange can take control of the
combined entity...
Stephen Hardy July 25, 2022
5G Mobile 5G Mobile
Edgecore Networks offers 400G VodafoneZiggo tests EFFECT
disaggregated cell site gateway Photonics’ tunable SFP+ optical
for 5G mobile networks transceivers for 5G support
The CSR440 is designed to offer 5G mobile The field trials saw the modules used in a
network operators an open and 10-Gbps, 40-km backhaul DWDM link
disaggregated cell site gateway that will between Breda and Etten-Leur in the
accept network operating software (NOS) southwest of the Netherlands.
from such vendors as ... Stephen Hardy June 21, 2022
Stephen Hardy June 27, 2022
Packet Transport
Quickline deploys ADVA 100G aggregation platform to
enable UK rural broadband services
Quickline has deployed a combination of 5G wireless and fiber to the premises
(FTTP) to deliver ultra-fast broadband to remote locations across Yorkshire and
Lincolnshire.
Stephen Hardy June 20, 2022
Mergers & Acquisitions
Rogers/Shaw merger on hold
Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications have agreed to pause their
proposed merger while Canada’s Competition Tribunal weighs a challenge from
the Competition Commissioner...
Stephen Hardy June 1, 2022
5G Mobile
Canada bars Huawei, ZTE from network equipment supply
As is the case with the U.S., the Canadian government instructed that currently
fielded equipment from the two Chinese suppliers must be removed and replaced
as well.
Stephen Hardy May 23, 2022
7/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave
5G Mobile

Vodafone Idea to deploy Nokia DWDM for 5G network

support
The DWDM gear will support 100G now in the access network with the ability to
grow to 200G support and greater, Nokia asserts.
Stephen Hardy May 17, 2022

Transmission Optical Tech

OE Solutions unveils 100G QSFP- 2022 Lightwave Innovation

DD and QSFP28 DCO optical
transceivers
The optical modules, which OE Solutions
expects to begin making available in the
third quarter of this year, will feature C-
Band tunability and support unamplified
and amplified...
Stephen Hardy March 17, 2022
Reviews Honorees
Our ninth annual Lightwave Innovation
Reviews follows our standard format. We
invited technology developers to submit
products introduced or enhanced since
March 2021 in various...
Lightwave Staff Feb. 8, 2022

Packet Transport Electronics Transmission

India’s Vodafone Idea ups fiber
backbone networks to
300G/400G via Ciena
With an eye toward the requirements of its
5G mobile roll out, Vodafone Idea Ltd. (Vi)
will leverage optical transport technology
from Ciena to upgrade its fiber backbone
networks...
Stephen Hardy Jan. 18, 2022
Marvell AtlasOne 50G PAM4 DSP Marvell, OE Solutions pair for
chipset targets 5G RAN 100G coherent QSFP-DD for 5G
requirements backhaul, metro access
Marvell has introduced the AltasOne 50- The OE Solutions 100G QSFP-DD Coherent
Gbps PAM4 DSP within integrated laser Transceiver will leverage the Marvell Deneb
driver and IN5662 transimpedance Coherent DSP and will be the first module to
amplifier (TIA) chipset. enable 100G coherent transmission within
Stephen Hardy Dec. 10, 2021 the envelope...
Stephen Hardy Dec. 10, 2021

PON/Systems 5G Mobile

25G PON supports 5G A Tactical Transport Toolbox for

holographic call in University of Strategic 5G Deployment
Glasgow testbed Let’s look at possible 5G transport solutions
The recent demonstration saw three 5G sites for small cell, macrocell, and network slicing
backhauled to core infrastructure via 25G

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 8/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave
PON. At the same time, the PON network applications that utilize innovative optics,
support 10G XGS-PON traffic to passive wavelength-division multiplexers...
demonstrate co-existence... Joe Mocerino Oct. 30, 2021
Stephen Hardy Dec. 10, 2021

5G Mobile 5G Mobile DWDM & ROADM

Ciena, Samsung pair for joint 5G
network offerings
The joint offerings will combine Samsung’s
wireless-focused technology with Ciena’s
xHaul and network automation platforms.
Stephen Hardy Oct. 29, 2021
AddOn Networks offers Linksys-
compatible optical transceivers
for wireless network support
The optical modules are targeted at
enterprises who are looking to expand their
on-site wireless networks.
Stephen Hardy Oct. 29, 2021
Viaero rolls out IP and DWDM
systems from Ribbon
The deployments will see the Fort Morgan,
CO, based service provider upgrade its
mobile network support infrastructure from
microwave and leased services to an IP and
DWDM architecture...
Stephen Hardy Oct. 26, 2021

Optical Tech

2022 Lightwave Innovation Reviews Nomination Period

Opens
The deadline for submissions is November 19. Vendors who submit their entries
by the November 5 “early bird deadline” will receive a discount off the regular
submission fee.
Lightwave Staff Oct. 22, 2021

5G Mobile

Equinix opens 5G and Edge Technology Development

Center in Dallas
Equipped with technology from Nokia, the facility will enable service providers
and network operators to test and validate 5G services and use cases.
Stephen Hardy Sept. 29, 2021

Transmission

SmartTuning Multi-Source Agreement targets 5G mobile

self-tuning optical transceivers
Lumentum has announced the creation of the SmartTuning Multi-Source
Agreement (MSA) group. II-VI is a founding member as well.
Stephen Hardy Sept. 13, 2021

Mergers & Acquisitions

Ciena to buy Vyatta virtual routing and switching

technology from AT&T
The agreement, which the parties expect to close by the end of this year, calls for
Ciena to continue to support AT&T’s use of the Vyatta technology in the service
provider’s ...
Stephen Hardy Sept. 3, 2021

Load More Content

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 9/10
2/26/23, 12:15 PM The Case for Using PON for 5G Fronthaul | Lightwave

About Us
Contact Us
Advertise
California Do Not Sell
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions

© 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

https://www.lightwaveonline.com/5g-mobile/article/14188094/the-case-for-using-pon-for-5g-fronthaul 10/10