OFDM for Next-Generation Optical Access Networks

Abstract

This paper surveys the technological principles and advantages of emerging high-speed digital signal processing (DSP)-based optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) passive optical networks (PON), with a focus on bandwidth flexibility, service transparency and cost-efficiency. Advanced modulation and detection techniques and DSP algorithms for efficient high-speed downstream and upstream operation are highlighted and supplemented with an overview of some promising recent experimental activity in the field.