Fujitsu offers Smart xHaul plug-in transponder card for 5G fronthaul/backhaul

Feb. 4, 2019
Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. (FNC), in partnership with Korea’s HFR, has unveiled the Smart xHaul plug-in transponder card. The ROE3J three-port plug-in transponder card enables the support of 5G fronthaul and backhaul over existing 4G support networks. FNC says that two North American Tier 1 operators plan to deploy the card in their live 5G commercial networks after having successfully completed 5G radio interoperability testing.

Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. (FNC), in partnership with Korea’s HFR, has unveiled the Smart xHaul plug-in transponder card. The ROE3J three-port plug-in transponder card enables the support of 5G fronthaul and backhaul over existing 4G support networks. FNC says that two North American Tier 1 operators plan to deploy the card in their live 5G commercial networks after having successfully completed 5G radio interoperability testing.

The Smart xHaul transponder card enables 25-Gbps support for radio over Ethernet (ROE), eCPRI, Ethernet, and xRAN protocols in millimeter-wave and sub-6-GHz radio architectures. It’s the latest addition to Fujitsu’s Smart xHaul portfolio, which comprises Fujitsu services, software, and disaggregated hardware, including the HFR flexiHaul platform. The flexiHaul 8000 series platforms offer modular scaling options for the new ROE3J transponder card to support multiple 5G channels over a single fiber core.

“Fujitsu offers a broad portfolio of industry-leading 4G and 5G transport options, including the versatile and scalable Smart xHaul solution, which is installed in live 5G networks today,” said Paul Havala, vice president of global planning and photonics at FNC. “We have worked closely with HFR to provide a cost-effective, fast track to 5G as an easy upgrade to the Fujitsu Smart xHaul solution, offering robust transport that supports the low latency, high capacity, and scalability requirements of tomorrow’s 5G networks, today.”

Incorporated in 2000, HFR offers a variety of FTTx, optical transport, and cellular network platforms (see, for example, "SK Broadband deploys 212-MHz Gfast for gigabit broadband").

For related articles, visit the Network Design Topic Center.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.

Contact Stephen to discuss:

  • Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
  • The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
  • Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
  • Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
  • Coverage of announcements
  • General questions of an editorial nature

Sponsored Recommendations

AI and Network Convergence: Transforming Global Connectivity

March 7, 2025
In today’s hyperconnected world, rolling out and managing profitable, high-performance networks for access and transport will require innovative architectural approaches. The ...

Transforming the metro network and the evolution of the "Digital Service Provider"

March 4, 2025
Join experts at EXFO and Ekinops in this webinar that will review the evolving metro-centric requirements and the technologies emerging to meet them.

Unveiling the Synergy Between AI and Optical Networking

March 12, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with industry experts on the intersection of AI and optics. Moderated by Sean Buckley, editor-in-chief of Lightwave+BTR, this panel will explore...

ON TOPIC: Filling Coverage Gaps, Enhancing Public Safety

Jan. 30, 2025
With the ongoing drive to support AI and the need for high-speed data center interconnection, the call for higher-speed 800G optical technology is emerging. Initially focused ...