Fronthaul, midhaul, backhaul interfaces

Three Transport Segments

Disaggregating the gNB creates three distinct transport network segments, each with different bandwidth and latency requirements. Fronthaul connects the RU to the DU carrying time-sensitive partially processed IQ data over eCPRI on Ethernet. Midhaul links the DU to the CU using the F1 interface, with F1-C over SCTP for control signaling and F1-U over GTP-U for user data. Backhaul connects the CU to the 5G Core carrying N2 and N3 traffic over standard IP or MPLS transport. Each segment demands its own engineering approach.