Only radio access networks can provide connectivity across multiple antenna sites to achieve the great leap forward in capacity targeted by 5G. Optical fronthaul remains a sticking point in that connectivity, and we make the case for analog radio over fiber signals and an optical access network smartedge to achieve the potential of radio access networks. The edge of the network would house the intelligence that coordinates wireless transmissions to minimize interference and maximize throughput. As silicon photonics provides a hardware platform well adapted to support optical fronthaul, it is poised to drive smart edge adoption. We draw out the issues in adopting oursolution, propose a strategy for network densification, and cite recent demonstrations to support our approach.

翻译：只有无线电接入网络能够提供多个天线站点之间的连接,从而实现5G所瞄准的能力的巨大飞跃。光学前厅仍然是这种连接的症结所在,我们主张模拟无线电对纤维信号和光学接入网络的智能,以实现无线电接入网络的潜力。网络的边缘将容纳协调无线传输的情报,以尽量减少干扰和尽量扩大吞吐量。硅光子提供了一个硬件平台,非常适合支持光学前厅,因此它准备推动智能边缘的采用。我们在通过我们的解决方案时提出问题,提出网络密度化战略,并列举最近支持我们的方法的演示。