Optimization of adaptively modulated optical OFDM modems for multimode fiber-based local area networks [Invited]

The impact of a wide range of different parameters of various components involved in optical modems using adaptively modulated optical orthogonal-frequency-division multiplexing (AMOOFDM) on the transmission performance of AMOOFDM signals is explored thoroughly, in single-channel, unamplified, multimode-fiber (MMF)-based, intensity modulation and direct detection (IMDD) transmission links. Practically available optimum component parameters are identified, based on which the AMOOFDM modems are optimized. It is shown that the optimized AMOOFDM modems enable a >70% increase in the capacity versus reach performance without compromising link loss margins, in comparison with that achieved without modem optimization. In addition, the validity of the identified optimum parameters and the feasibility of the optimized AMOOFDM modems are also statistically verified for implementation in the vast majority of installed MMF links. Statistical investigations show that the optimized AMOOFDM modems can support >50 Gbits/s signal transmission over 300m in 99.5% of already installed MMF links with loss margins of >7 dB. Furthermore, it is also confirmed statistically that the optimized AMOOFDM modems have excellent performance flexibility and great robustness to various fiber and/or system implementation-related impairments. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.