The Role of Power-over-Fiber in C-RAN Fronthauling Towards 5G

We explore the potential integration of power-over-fiber (PoF) systems for the next generation 5G cloud radio access network (C-RAN) front-haul solutions based on spatial division multiplexing with multicore fibers. Different architectures, including spatial division multiplexing with multicore fibers for both shared- and dedicated-core scenarios, are discussed. The PoF energy delivery to the remote site depending on the efficiencies of the different components and on fiber limitations is addressed as well as impairments related to non-linear effects mainly. The impact of high power-over-fiber signals on the data traffic signal quality is analysed. This study may help in the design of future remote power by light delivery added-value solutions for 5G Radio over Fiber systems and radio access networks with optical fronthauling.