Optimizing Cloud-RAN deployments in real-life scenarios using Microwave Radio

Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) is a new architecture designed to be the candidate for enabling future mobile networks. However, it will be deployed only if it is economically viable. In this paper we investigate the technological options of C-RAN deployments. By using analytical methods we derive engineering guidelines for minimizing the CAPital EXpenditure (CAPEX) of C-RAN deployment. We show for which population density and span of BBU Pool coverage usage of Microwave Radio (MWR) links is viable. For larger scale deployment we recommend to divide the area into multiple BBU Pools.