Converged 5G/6G access-metro network combining RoF and coherent PONs

The deployment of 5G and the anticipated 6G technologies impose novel challenges to existing time division multiplexing-passive optical network (TDM-PON) access infrastructures, requiring stringent QoS. To address this, we propose a hybrid access-metro network with numerous high-density ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexing (udWDM) and radio over fiber (RoF) PONs. There, one type of PON is based on power splitters, using lightpaths with coherent transmissions; while another type, based on arrayed wavelengths gratings (AWGs), supports RoF. Both converge to a metro network through optical nodes. All remote radio heads (RRHs) at base stations connect to a centralized optical line terminal (C-OLT) at the central office (CO), managing a centralized/cloud radio access network (C-RAN). This integrated design provides reconfigurable capabilities, optimizes efficiency and minimizes latency for new wireless technologies.