Shaping Radio Access to Match Variable Wireless Fronthaul Quality in Next-Generation Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces an adaptive framework for aligning radio access capacity with variable wireless fronthaul quality in C-RAN networks, enhancing performance and reliability in challenging atmospheric conditions.

Contribution

It proposes a novel adaptive capacity management framework that dynamically matches radio access to fronthaul link quality, improving network robustness and efficiency.

Findings

Effective adaptation reduces service degradation during fronthaul variability

Numerical evaluations demonstrate improved capacity utilization

Framework supports various strategies considering system tradeoffs

Abstract

The emergence of Centralized-RAN (C-RAN) has revolutionized mobile network infrastructure, offering streamlined cell-site engineering and enhanced network management capabilities. As C-RAN gains momentum, the focus shifts to optimizing fronthaul links. While fiber fronthaul guarantees performance, wireless alternatives provide cost efficiency and scalability, making them preferable in densely urbanized areas. However, wireless fronthaul often requires expensive over-dimensioning to overcome the challenging atmospheric attenuation typical of high frequencies. We propose a framework designed to continuously align radio access capacity with fronthaul link quality to overcome this rigidity. By gradually adapting radio access capacity to available fronthaul capacity, the framework ensures smooth degradation rather than complete service loss. Various strategies are proposed, considering factors like functional split and beamforming technology and exploring the tradeoff between adaptation strategy complexity and end-to-end system performance. Numerical evaluations using experimental rain attenuation data illustrate the framework's effectiveness in optimizing radio access capacity under realistically variable fronthaul link quality, ultimately proving the importance of adaptive capacity management in maximizing C-RAN efficiency.