Application of C-Light Optical Module in 5G Front-Haul Network

Posted on：September 1, 2024 by C-LIGHT

With the increasing prosperity of the artificial intelligence market and the diversification of business models, the emergence of 5G communications has paved a data highway for the future demand for large amounts of data. Compared with the previous generation of 4G LTE communication mode. 5G mobile communications have the technical characteristics of high line bandwidth requirements and low data latency, and also put forward corresponding requirements for optical modules used in this network. C-LIGHT's 5G fronthaul application optical modules are characterized by high temperature resistance, small size, high speed, low latency, transmission performance of DWDM over 40km, and customizability, which strongly supports the fronthaul needs of global wireless communication access operators.

Figure 1 A 5G DWDM fronthaul network topology (for reference only)

Technical requirements for 5G front-haul network application

The standardized 25Gbps eCPRI forwarding interface is the mainstream technology, and there are still some forwarding networks using 10g eCPRI interface. For a period of time, the optical module and AAU scheme adopted by the forwarding network should support 25Gbps and 10Gbps simultaneously.

The link budget of signal transmission and optical power shall have more choices of link budget as far as possible under the condition of technical support.

As far as possible in the case of saving the number of optical cable lines to meet the demand for large bandwidth.

The laying environment of the forwarding network is mostly outdoor, which requires RU and DU equipment and optical modules to support -40 ℃ ~ 85 ℃ industrial grade.

Low latency and synchronization requirement.

The cost of optical module has a great influence on the selection of forward network application scheme.

Technical features of C-LIGHT 5G fronthaul optical module

The variety is complete. From 10Gbps 25Gbps to 100Gbps, 500m ~ 40km applications, support eCPRI protocol,Products supporting -40 ℃ ~ 85 ℃ industrial temperature operation are being produced and delivered.

The transmission distance is longer. For example, 25g DWDM breaks through the 15km bottleneck of the industry, up to 40km.

More wavelength options. For example, C-Band 100GHz wavelength can produce single-fiber bidirectional BiDi products with customized wavelength combinations.

There are more advantageous technologies. NRZ and Pam coding technology, EML DML DFB laser technology, TEC cooling technology.

The cost advantage is obvious. C-LIGHT adopts both foreign and domestic chip solutions for the design and selection of core driver chips and lasers, providing more business options for different customers.

And has strong compatibility and universality. The product supports compatible use on major forwarding devices around the world.

Figure 2 Examples of some C-LIGHT 5G fronthaul optical modules:

Figure 3 25G fronthaul optical module core test items:

Comprehensive performance test		Product PING test