One of the main challenges in today’s access networks for 5G base stations (BSs) is the final links (or the last mile) of the network. The links that constitute the main backbone of the network are mostly based on Internet Protocol (IP)/Multi-protocol Label Switching networks with connection over fiber cables. However on the access network side, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) may also benefit from existing copper lines in addition to fiber and microwave lines. Therefore, developing a 5G deployment strategy to connect BSs that are installed indoor and outdoor locations with these different connection types to the backhaul network, will be important to ensure cost-effective installations. Utilizing Fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) networks that are already installed for broadband connectivity will provide MNOs significant initial investment benefits. In this paper, we have analyzed 5G readiness of the backhaul links of a real infrastructure provider using the proposed evaluation methodology. Our large-scale experimental analysis identifies the problematic sites (where possible solutions and suggestions are also proposed) and determines the suitability of the copper circuits for services that can be provided over the next generation networks. At the end of the paper, we also discuss about the challenges and advantages of utilizing different 5G services when FTTx is used as a backhaul and propose an ordering of the measurable FTTx specific quality parameters according to next generation service deployment scenarios.

当今5G基站（BS）接入网络的主要挑战之一是网络的最终链路（或最后一英里）。构成网络主要骨干网的链路主要基于Internet协议（IP）/多协议标签交换网络，并通过光纤电缆进行连接。但是，在接入网络方面，除了光纤和微波线路之外，移动网络运营商（MNO）也可能会受益于现有的铜线。因此，制定5G部署策略以将具有这些不同连接类型的室内和室外位置安装的BS连接到回程网络，对于确保具有成本效益的安装非常重要。利用已经安装的光纤到宽带（FTTx）网络进行宽带连接将为MNO提供重要的初期投资收益。在本文中，我们使用建议的评估方法分析了实际基础架构提供商的回程链路的5G准备情况。我们的大规模实验分析确定了有问题的地点（并提出了可能的解决方案和建议），并确定了铜电路对可通过下一代网络提供的服务的适用性。在本文的最后，我们还讨论了将FTTx用作回程时利用不同5G服务的挑战和优势，并根据下一代服务部署方案提出了可测量的FTTx特定质量参数的排序。我们的大规模实验分析确定了有问题的地点（并提出了可能的解决方案和建议），并确定了铜电路对可通过下一代网络提供的服务的适用性。在本文的最后，我们还讨论了将FTTx用作回程时利用不同5G服务的挑战和优势，并根据下一代服务部署方案提出了可测量的FTTx特定质量参数的排序。我们的大规模实验分析确定了有问题的地点（并提出了可能的解决方案和建议），并确定了铜电路对可通过下一代网络提供的服务的适用性。在本文的最后，我们还讨论了将FTTx用作回程时利用不同5G服务的挑战和优势，并根据下一代服务部署方案提出了可测量的FTTx特定质量参数的排序。