Analog radio-over-fiber 5G fronthaul systems:blueSPACE and 5G-PHOS projects convergence

The fifth generation (5G) mobile systems can be considered the way to ubiquitous Internet, pervasive computing paradigm, and a revolution in industries like automotive, media and entertainment, and eHealth. New 5G fronthaul systems based on centralized radio access networks will eventually use technology enablers such as reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers, space-division multiplexing, ribbon fibers, software-defined networking, multiple-input multiple-output signaling, analog radio-over-fiber signals, and beamforming. In this context, this paper addresses the principal technology enablers of the 5G PPP phase 2 projects blueSPACE and 5G-PHOS and their potential interoperability. The convergence of 5G key-performance indicators (KPIs) along with methodologies and usage scenarios is also addressed. Furthermore, the 2020 European championship is perceived here as a unique opportunity to leverage a 5G pan-European trial platform. The technologies developed in both projects are seen as potential candidates for next generation mobile networks, where ultra-low latency, energy efficiency, and millions of connected devices are major network KPIs requirements