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arXiv · 2606.06075

Toward Mobile and Converged Backhaul: The Promise of Wireless Access and Backhaul

Abstract

Wireless Access and Backhaul (WAB) is emerging as a key enabler for flexible and cost-efficient 5G deployments, offering a modular architecture that decouples access and backhaul while supporting multi-technology and mobile backhaul links. This article introduces the WAB framework standardized in 3GPP Release 19, outlining its architecture and operational principles. A practical implementation built with commercial hardware and open-source software demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of WAB systems. We further explore four representative application scenarios - ranging from on-demand coverage to mobile Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) connectivity - and discuss the technical challenges that must be addressed for large-scale adoption. These insights highlight WAB as a promising foundation for 5G-Advanced and a stepping stone toward future 6G networks.

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Chiara Rubaltelli, Marcello Morini, Eugenio Moro, Ilario Filippini, Antonio Capone. 2026-06-04. Toward Mobile and Converged Backhaul: The Promise of Wireless Access and Backhaul. https://doi.org/10.1109/mcom.001.2600017

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