Next-generation optical access networks based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

Abstract

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a robust modulation and multiplexing format which is at the base of many present communication standards. The interest of the OFDM application in optical fiber deployments is quite recent. As the next generation of Passive Optical Networks (NG-PONs) is envisioned, targeting greater capacity and user counts, the limitations of TDMA (Time Division Multiplexing Access) approaches to meet the expected increase in requirements becomes evident and therefore new technologies are being explored. Optical OFDMA is an emerging technology which can be a promising candidate. The main goal of this Master Thesis is to study the problem of users multiplexing in access networks, using OFDM as a technology to transmit the user information data. This work has focused in the uplink study of the network, because it is the most challenging part of the network to design. The studies have been conducted both in a theoretical way and also by simulating the targeted environments by means of a fiber optics transmission simulation tool. Virtual Photonics Integrated (VPI) is the software selected for the simulations. This tool is specially designed to simulate optical transmission system environments. The analysis of the Optical Beat Interference, which is a critical impairment in optical carrier multiplexing schemes, is the most important part of the user multiplexing study.