FTTR-MmWave Architecture for Next-Generation Indoor High-Speed Communications

Abstract: Millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology has been extensively studied for indoor short-range communications. In such fixed network applications, the emerging FTTR architecture allows mmWave technology to be well cascaded with in-room optical network terminals, supporting high-speed communication at rates over tens of Gb/s. In this FTTR-mmWave system, the severe signal attenuation over distance and high penetration loss through room walls are no longer bottlenecks for practical mmWave deployment. Instead, these properties create high spatial isolation, which prevents mutual interference between data streams and ensures information security. This paper surveys the promising integration of Fiber-to-the-Room (FTTR) and millimeter-wave (mmWave) access for next-generation indoor high-speed communications, with a particular focus on the Ultra-Converged Access Network (U-CAN) architecture. It is structured in two main parts: it first traces this new FTTR-mmWave architecture from the perspective of Wi-Fi and mmWave communication evolution, and then focuses specifically on the development of key mmWave chipsets for FTTR-mmW Wi-Fi applications. This work aims to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers working toward immersive, untethered indoor wireless experiences for users.

Keywords: fiber-to-the-room; millimeter wave; Wi-Fi; cloud virtual reality (cloud VR); beamforming