Power over fiber in radio access networks: 5G and beyond

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of power over fiber (PoF) and potential applications envisioned in radio access networks with optical fronthauling using different types of optical fibers. It is an open discussion on exploring PoF technology with current experiments integrating analog radio over fiber using 5G-NR signals in compliance with 3GPP, PoF, and monitoring techniques and general requirements in future deployments along with its potential to be part of the energy efficiency strategy in beyond 5G networks.