Software-defined cloud radio access networks enabled by a reconfigurable general microwave photonics signal processor

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Within the next decade, broadband networks will merge the complementary strengths of optical and wireless technologies into a converged fiber-wireless framework, called Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RANs). In C-RANs, optical fiber carrying radio-modulated optical signals will interconnect base station controllers and remote radio heads (RRHs) that will deliver data at 1 Gb/s speeds to mobile users using fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology. The central goal of the proposed research is to demonstrate an innovative, universal design approach for software-defined C-RANs that are capable of delivering exceptional performance in terms of bandwidth provisioning, while ensuring scalability, agility, energy efficiency, and cost efficiency. This software-defined platform will implement critical microwave/mm-wave processing functionalities needed at the base station and the RRHs in a simple and fully programmable fashion. It will be based on a reconfigurable, integrated microwave photonic signal processing engine in silicon photonics. Our proposed solution will simplify substantially network-level design, reduce C-RAN deployment and maintenance costs, optimize energy consumption, reduce hardware duplication, and support software-defined operation and control. The project aligns precisely with the target area of 'Information and Communication Technologies' and addresses key challenges associated with the research topic of 'Communication Networks and Services'. The project has the support of two industrial partners, Huawei Technologies Canada and AEPONYX. The results will provide them and other Canadian-based companies with access to transformative knowledge and innovative technologies required in future broadband networks, which in turn will benefit Canadians over the next 5-10 years. There are also unique training opportunities for highly qualified personnel (HQP) who will acquire skills in RF electronics, integrated photonics, broadband communications, and software-defined networking. HQP will carry out device and circuit design, modeling, simulation and optimization, all of which will be validated through experimental testing, as well as subsystems prototype demonstrations.