Design of C-RAN fronthaul for LTE networks

C-RAN is a mobile network architecture that enables the share of network resources in a centralised data centre, being cost- effective to the operators. This work consists of a study on the impact of C-RAN in an operator's network, addressing models for the latency and the capacity needed per data centre. The costs associated with the implementation of C-RAN are also modelled, and a comparison with the corresponding decentralised network is shown. The model was implemented taking as an input the positioning of RRHs and possible available BBU Pools, as well as the costs associated with each component, with four types of connection algorithms. The real scenario of a northern region in Portugal is taken for the analysis of results. Concerning fronthaul connections, a microwave link is not cost effective comparing with a fibre one. Cost savings, comparing a decentralised with a C-RAN architecture, is around 13%, and fronthaul costs are the most expensive component.

I. Introduction

In the last years, the impact mobile communications have these days is justified by the increasing number of mobile subscriptions compared to the population growth worldwide. According to [1], the rise of mobile data subscriptions, along with a continued increase in the average data volume per subscription, generates a large growth in data traffic. Network operators must find solutions to overcome the critical challenges imposed by this growth trend, and the success of cloud technology provides one of the possible solutions. The vision of the telecommunication industry is to develop economies of scale, cost effectiveness, scalability, lower Capital (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditures (OPEX), the former being mainly associated with network infrastructure deployment, while the latter concerns mainly network operation and management.