Convergence of Radio-over-fiber and Passive-optical-network in L-band: A Promising Bi-directional Network Technology

Radio-over-fiber (RoF) technology is garnering attention in recent years as potential network architecture that could be seamlessly integrated with the passive optical networks (PONs), hence converging the possibility of radio-frequency, particularly millimeter waves, and optical domains in achieving large data capacity needs of the future networks while providing high data rates at the use end. Leveraging on the pros and cons of each technology, this RoF-PON, and particularly wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) based RoF-PON (RoF-WDM-PON) network architecture would be a promising solution to provide high data rates, mobility, and low cost last mile access in environments such as malls, conference centers, stadiums, house and offices, airports, hotels, etc., while utilizing millimeter wave (MMW) band. Hence, deployment of such RoF-WDM-PON architecture in extended L-band communication window would be the potential next step in expanding the present and next-generation network architectures channel capacity, thus significantly increasing the network bandwidth and data capacity. In this research work, we aim to investigate a mid L-band RoF-PON architecture with bi-directional capability. For generation of MMW via optical means, we intend to utilize a new class of InAs/InP quantum-dash based active region semiconductor laser emitting in mid L-band as they have already shown tremendous potential as light sources in high bit rate WDM systems and PONs. Hence, this study would further reinforce potential employment of InAs/InP Qdash laser as a photonic MMW generator, enabling few Giga-bits-per-second down transmission at the end user as well as reuse of the wavelength for Giga-bit-per-second upstream transmission. Moreover, other advantages, such as small-foot print and possibility of mass deployment, offered by this device, because of potential wideband MMW tunability, would qualify this novel generator as well as the mid L-band RoF-PON system as a potential next generation access network, to cater the requirements of the future information technology, which is the research priority areas of KFUPM. Apart from the research contents, the project also aims at strengthening Photonics research, particularly in the field of optoelectronic devices, in the department of Electrical Engineering (EE), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). This will facilitates the undergraduate/graduate students to appreciate the field of Photonics and also reinforce the department and KFUPM research competency in both, accommodating other research projects, and training students for fast growing job market of the important technological field of Photonics in Saudi Arabia.