Cost-efficient Mobile Backhaul Network Design over TWDM-PON

In recent times, time and wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks (TWDM-PONs) are recognized as promising transport network technology for mobile backhaul design. TWDM-PON is a multi-wavelength PON technology that offers high reliability, low maintenance cost, high capacity, and long transmission reach. In this paper, we propose a recursive clustering algorithm (RCA) to design cost-efficient TWDM-PON architecture for providing backhaul connectivity to the macro-cell base stations (BSs). Based on the geographical locations of BSs, RCA explores the optimal number of BS clusters, the size of each cluster, the most suitable location of remote nodes for passive device placement, and the best fiber route from operator’s central office to the BS’s locations. The primary objective is to reduce the total cost by minimizing the total length of deployed fibers. We also employ cable-conduit sharing, where the cable-conduits deployed for existing fiber links are utilized to place a new fiber link. We introduce two-stage cable-conduit sharing to maximize sharing of cable-conduits for last-mile fiber and distribution fiber so as to further tune down the cost. We compare the performance of our proposed RCA scheme with the existing benchmark studies, viz., BS clustering technique and random-cut sectoring approach. The simulation result confirms that our scheme substantially reduces the backhauling cost compared with the existing studies.