Wireless and wireline service convergence in next generation optical access networks

The next generation of information technology demands both high capacity and mobility for applications such as high speed wireless
access capable of supporting broadband services. The transport of wireless and wireline signals is converging into a common
telecommunication infrastructure. In this project, we focus on the conception and study of novel architectures for wavelength-divisionmultiplexing
(WDM) optical multi-modulation format radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems, which is a promising solution to implement broadband
seamless wireless-wireline access networks. One important feature of our proposed approach is versatile optical multi-modulation format
radio-over-fiber systems with robust transmission, high spectral efficiency and high dynamic range properties, not achievable by
conventional intensity modulated systems alone. We focus as well on conceiving access nodes designs that support converged wireless
and wireline service delivery with energy efficiency and efficient use of a common optical fibre access infrastructure. To the best of our
knowledge, no comprehensive theoretical and/or experimental study of the performance of these WDM RoF systems has been reported
yet. Moreover, the stringent requirements of future communications links in terms of capacity, flexibility and multi-service support, motivate
us to undertake a concise assessment of the ultimate achievable performance of wireline/wireless converged systems. The goal of this
project is to theoretically and experimentally investigate the performance of multichannel, multi-modulation formats radio-over-fiber optical
links for the transmission of wireless and wireline signals. The timely generated knowledge in this project will contribute to extend the stateof-
the-art and to enhance European research excellence and competitiveness in developing solutions for future telecommunication
networks.