Chapter 10
The Evolution Toward Ethernet-Based Converged 5G RAN
First published: 14 September 2018
Abstract
This chapter presents the evolution of the radio access network (RAN), specifically in 3GPP context, from the current fourth-generation (4G) toward the fifth-generation (5G) cellular network systems. In order to understand the evolution toward the 5G radio access network (RAN), understanding the current Long-Term Evolution (LTE) RAN and its architecture is essential. The generations preceding LTE are of lesser interest because the 3GPP-defined 5G will only maintain backward compatibility with LTE. The chapter looks into a potential Ethernet-based standardized solution for Radio over Ethernet (RoE) transport. The premise of Ethernet in 5G new RAN originates from its cost structure and the ecosystem around it, not because of its technical superiority. Ethernet is also perceived as the next-generation generic connectivity solution for the different “hauls”. The fact that the Ethernet ecosystem is driven by multiple market segments makes it a safe candidate.
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