Evolving Small-Cell Communications towards Mobile-over-FTTx Networks

Small cell techniques are recognized as the best way to deliver high capacity for broadband cellular communications. Femtocell and distributed antenna systems (DAS) are important components in the overall small cell story, but are not the complete solution. They have major disadvantages of very limited cooperation capability and expensive deployment cost, respectively. In this article, we propose a novel mobile-over-FTTx (MoF) network architecture, where a fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) network is enhanced as an integrated rather than a simple backhauling component of a new mobile network delivering low-cost and powerful small cell solutions. In part, the MoF architecture combines the advantages of femtocell and DAS, while overcoming their disadvantages. Implementation challenges and potential solutions are discussed. Simulation results are presented and demonstrate the strong potential of the MoF in boosting the capacity of mobile networks.