Design of a WDM system with radio over free space optics for 5G fronthaul networks in an urban area

5G radio-optical network, or 5G-RON, is one scenario that implements a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) architecture. In fronthaul networks, to be able to meet delay and capacity requirements, optical cables can be used. Free space optic technology has become an alternative medium for optical cables to meet fronthaul needs on 5G networks. The atmosphere affects the transmission quality, so wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology increases bandwidth and large bit rates in a network. This study discusses the design and performance analysis of the WDM-based RoFSO system for implementing 5G networks in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Indonesia, conducted using Optisystem for 4 WDM channels at 1490 nm, 1510 nm, 1530 nm, and 1550 nm. The tests were carried out using a 10 Gbps bit rate. This research was conducted to see meteorological effects that use data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. The signal output at high attenuation will cause a more limited transmission distance. The use of high rainfall as attenuation in one year can only reach 0.8 km. The wavelength also affects the signal quality due to interference that degrades the signal quality.