Abstract

Small cell deployments provide unique challenges to the underlying transport networks that provide connectivity between cell sites and back to the wireless core equipment. There are two fundamental types of small cells - All-In-One Metro Cells which include the baseband processing function and Remote Radio Units which rely on centralized baseband processing. There are specific deployment advantages to both models and transport architectures must consider both models. The Remote Radio Unit communicate with the baseband processing function via Common Public Radio Interface or CPRI. There are specific deployment advantages to both models and transport architectures must consider both models. CPRI poses some unique challenges requiring transport at layer 1 and imposing strict latency requirements.

© 2013 Optical Society of America