Split analysis and fronthaul dimensioning in 5G C-RAN to guarantee ultra low latency

The use of Ethernet packet-switched networks for the fronthaul links with a Cloud-based Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture are nowadays considered. The high capacity and low latency fronthaul (FH) links requirement in the C-RAN architecture can be reduced by a flexible functional split of baseband processing between remote radio heads (RRHs) and Baseband units (BBUs). These will allow leveraging statistical multiplexing gains, infrastructure reuse and cost reduction. However, in order to satisfy latency requirements, most of the studies advocate the use of lower fronthaul split options like the eCPRI (evolved Common Public Radio Interface) Iu split, requiring huge fronthaul link capacity. In this paper, we propose an alternative uplink physical split, denoted II_U. The objective is to reduce capacity requirements on the fronthaul while meeting latency constraints. As a future work, the proposed split will be evaluted and analyzed for both fast and slow fading channel situations.