Field programmable gate array (FPGA) leader Xilinx Inc. is working with China Mobile’s research arm to develop a next-generation fronthaul interface (NGFI) for 5G wireless networks.
In a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Xilinx and China Mobile Research Institute (CMRI) say they will research technologies and components for a fronthaul interface for 5G wireless networks that will work in combination with emerging technologies such as C-RAN, large-scale-antenna-system and 3D multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO).
The need for an NGFI in 5G wireless networks stems from the requirement of more fiber cables needing to be laid by operators, a costly proposition. The fronthaul link is a critical subsystem for improvement in this system and will be an important interface for future wireless systems, Xilinx says.
Dr. Chih-Lin I, chief scientist of CMRI, says in a statement that fronthaul solutions need to be rethought, especially with challenges facing Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) deployment. More efficient and flexible NGFI offerings will help “the enablement of large scale C-RAN deployment,” he says.
Xilinx is contributing a reference design based on its Zynq system-on-chip (SoC) platform to the NGFI that will serve as a baseline framework for a 4.5G/5G wireless network research.
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