Scalable and spectrally efficient long-reach optical access networks employing frequency interleaved directly detected optical OFDM

Abstract

Extending the reach of traditional passive optical networks (PONs) to 100 km and increasing the split ratio beyond 1:64 are promising solutions in future optical access networks. These systems can accommodate increased users at longer distances potentially at low cost. With the increasing demand for higher bandwidths, current networks may soon require that bit rates upgrade to 100 Gb/s and beyond. However, the traditional onoff-keyed PON cannot be scaled up to such bit rates, as very high-speed opto-electronic devices are required that are still maturing. Therefore, to provide a comprehensive solution to these scalability issues of existing PONs, we propose a spectrally efficient (4 bit/s/Hz..