Comparing optical transport technologies for x-hauling 5G small cells in the sub-6 GHz

Mobile network operators are facing the rollout of 5G New Radio small cells in the next few years. High cell density will require intensive support of optical transport, and there are multiple options depending on cell configuration and capacity. Comparing these optical technologies in terms of capacity and cost is important to maximize return on the likely limited deployment budget. We developed a model that can be used by operators in the strategy and decision-making phase and present example results on outdoor 5G small cells using the sub-6-GHz spectrum bands.