The XPON 5G bearer solution has been launched, helping operators build "fixed-mobile convergence" networks

To meet the demands of 5G base station backhaul for high bandwidth and low latency, while reducing the network construction costs for operators, the passive optical network technology team has recently launched the XPON 5G bearer solution. This solution combines XPON passive optical network with 5G bearer technology to achieve efficient access and data transmission of 5G base stations. It has been put into application in the 5G network construction of a certain province in China, reducing the cost of base station backhaul by 25%. ​

In terms of technical architecture, this solution adopts the integrated design of "XPON SDN" : The XPON network is responsible for the access of 5G base stations, and multiple 5G base stations are connected to the core network through OLT devices. The optical split ratio supports 1:4 to 1:16, adapting to the base station density in different regions. The SDN controller is responsible for the dynamic scheduling and management of network resources. It can adjust bandwidth allocation in real time according to the business traffic requirements of base stations to ensure low-latency transmission of 5G services. The maximum single base station backhaul bandwidth supported by the solution reaches 10Gbps, meeting the large bandwidth requirements of 5G NR. The data transmission delay is controlled within 5ms, meeting the requirements of the 5G URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Ultra-Low Latency Communication) scenario. ​

The advantages of this solution also lie in "fixed-mobile convergence" and "cost optimization". Through the XPON network, operators can simultaneously carry the backhaul of 5G base stations and the access services of home broadband and government and enterprise customers, achieving "one network, multiple services carrying" and reducing the repetitive construction of the network. In addition, XPON devices use passive optical splitters and do not require power supply, which can significantly reduce the energy consumption and maintenance costs of base station sites. In a 5G construction project in a certain province, after adopting this solution, the construction cost of each kilometer of 5G base station backhaul lines was reduced by 25%, the annual power consumption of base station sites was decreased by 12,000 kilowatt-hours, and the operating cost was significantly reduced. ​

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The person in charge of network construction of the provincial operator said, "The XPON 5G bearer solution not only meets the technical requirements of 5G base station backhaul, but also helps us achieve efficient utilization of network resources and cost optimization, providing strong support for the large-scale deployment of 5G networks." At present, this solution has been applied in the 5G networks of over ten provinces in China. In the future, the intelligence level of the SDN controller will be further optimized to enhance the dynamic adjustment and self-healing capabilities of the network.