Ultra-high capacity millimeter wave and optical convergence system for next-generation flexible access networks

Radio-over-fiber (RoF) technology is garnering attention in recent years as a potential network architecture that could be seamlessly integrated with passive optical networks (PONs). Hence converging the possibility of radio frequency (RF), particularly millimeter waves (MMW), and optical domains in achieving large data capacity needs of the future networks while providing high data rates at the user 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, healthcare, automotive, etc. while utilizing MMW band. Hence, deployment of such RoF-WDM-PON architecture in an 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 context, we aim to investigate a RoF-PON architecture with hybrid MMW and optical convergence capability in the unconventional mid L-band wavelength window rather than the classical C-band, which is challenging due to the limitations of testbed equipment, components, and supplies. Furthermore, this proposal is consistent with the vision of next-generation PONs (NG-PONs) exploring the integration of various hybrid and flexible network technologies besides expanding the spectrum of wavelength operation beyond the C-band. We set the first target to develop and demonstrate a hybrid MMW and single wavelength optical communication system using a new class of mid L-band InAs/InP quantum-dash nanostructure-based semiconductor laser diode (Qdash-LD) research sample as a centralized light source to transmit 8 and 50 Gb/s of data over a MMW (28-60 GHz) and a single wavelength optical carriers, respectively. For this, we intend to exploit a large number of generated wavelengths by Qdash-LD and select a few of them to optically generate the MMW beat-tone while others serve as optical carriers. Furthermore, we aim to extend the demonstration