Millimeter Wave for 5G Mobile Fronthaul and Backhaul

The paper aims to provide a high-level view of 5G fronthaul and backhaul wireless transport over millimeter wave (mmWave). In particular, an overview of data rate and latency requirements for three emerging fronthaul interfaces (functional split options) in addition to the backhaul will be given first. Then, the suitability of mmWave technology for transport of these fronthaul and backhaul traffics are examined, where the scope is focused on a multi-tier architecture with multiple levels of aggregation. The characteristics of mmWave spectrum under consideration for the mobile fronthaul and backhaul, including V, E, W and D bands, will also be discussed. This is prospective that mmWave transport network will roll-out with two sequential phases, namely below and above 100 GHz.