Recent progresses in Gigabit wireless access using millimetre-wave RoFs

Abstract

Millimetre-wave radio-over-fibre (RoF) systems are widely considered as a disruptive technology for Gigabit/s wireless access applications. This paper reviews recent progresses in the simplification of generation, transport and detection of optically modulated millimetre-wave signal that can offer Gb/s wireless access at potentially low-costs. The review highlights the introduction of unlocked optical heterodyning in photodetection and direct conversion receiver in demodulation that potentially overcome the key hurdles to realize low-cost RoF systems.