Free Space Optics for 5G Backhaul Networks and Beyond Wael G
Free Space Optics for 5G Backhaul Networks and Beyond Thesis by Wael G. Alheadary In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Makkah Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia July, 2018 2 EXAMINATION COMMITTEE PAGE The thesis of Wael G. Alheadary is approved by the examination committee Committee Chairperson: Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini Committee Members: Professor Boon Ooi, Professor Taous-Meriem Laleg-Kirati, Professor Chengshan Xiao. 3 © July 2018 Wael G. Alheadary All Rights Reserved 4 ABSTRACT Free Space Optics for 5G Backhaul Networks and Beyond Wael G. Alheadary The exponential increase of mobile users and the demand for high-speed data services has resulted in significant congestions in cellular backhaul capacity. As a solution to satisfy the traffic requirements of the existing 4G network, the 5G net- work has emerged as an enabling technology and a fundamental building block of next-generation communication networks. An essential requirement in 5G backhaul networks is their unparalleled capacity to handle heavy traffic between a large number of devices and the core network. Microwave and optic fiber technologies have been considered as feasible solutions for next-generation backhaul networks. However, such technologies are not cost effective to deploy, especially for the backhaul in high-density urban or rugged areas, such as those surrounded by mountains and solid rocks. Addi- tionally, microwave technology faces alarmingly challenging issues, including limited data rates, scarcity of licensed spectrum, advanced interference management, and rough weather conditions (i.e., rain, which is the main weather condition that affects microwave signals the most).
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