Transport requirements

5G Transport Network Architecture

5G dramatically increases transport bandwidth requirements compared to 4G. The transport network has three segments: fronthaul connects AAU to DU using eCPRI (enhanced Common Public Radio Interface) over fiber, requiring 25 Gbps per AAU — for a 3-sector site, that's 3× 25G links. Midhaul connects DU to CU when using CU-DU split architecture, requiring 10–25 Gbps depending on the functional split option chosen. Backhaul connects the CU (or combined DU) to the core network, requiring 10–25 Gbps for a typical macro site. Total transport capacity for one 5G site can exceed 100 Gbps.