Fronthaul-constrained cloud radio access networks: insights and challenges

As a promising paradigm for fifth generation wireless communication systems, cloud radio access networks (C-RANs) have been shown to reduce both capital and operating expenditures, as well as to provide high spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). The fronthaul in such networks, defined...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE wireless communications 2015-04, Vol.22 (2), p.152-160
Main Authors: Peng, Mugen, Wang, Chonggang, Lau, Vincent, Poor, H. Vincent
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Baseband
Clouds
Compressing
Computer architecture
Constraints
Expenditures
Networks
Noise measurement
Quantization (signal)
Radio
Radio access networks
Resource allocation
Spectra
Telecommunications industry
Wireless communication
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Summary:As a promising paradigm for fifth generation wireless communication systems, cloud radio access networks (C-RANs) have been shown to reduce both capital and operating expenditures, as well as to provide high spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). The fronthaul in such networks, defined as the transmission link between the baseband unit and the remote radio head, requires a high capacity, but is often constrained. This article comprehensively surveys recent advances in fronthaul-constrained CRANs, including system architectures and key techniques. Particularly, major issues relating to the impact of the constrained fronthaul on SE/EE and quality of service for users, including compression and quantization, large-scale coordinated processing and clustering, and resource allocation optimization, are discussed together with corresponding potential solutions. Open issues in terms of software-defined networking, network function virtualization, and partial centralization are also identified.
ISSN:1536-1284
1558-0687
DOI:10.1109/MWC.2015.7096298