Viavi 5G Fronthaul Handbook

The 5G Fronthaul Handbook is a guide to understanding the impact of 5G on transport networks and key test considerations for ensuring reliable performance and high quality of service.

5G technology is touted as an innovation platform that will enhance our connected world. To deliver on this promise, 5G will demand the network supporting it to be as flexible as the services running on it. The following high-level 5G uses cases are well understood and documented by the wireless industry:

• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC)
• Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)

The big challenge is how to support these use cases on the same network. Much of the trade buzz to date has been centred on 5G-NR (new radio), virtualized core, and mm-Wave spectrum. Receiving far less attention, but equally important as the new radio interface, is the evolution of the transport network connecting 5G nodes that enable the key 5G use cases –simultaneously.