On the Conditions that Justify Dynamic Reconfigurability in WDM-TDMA Optical Access Networks

[EN] In a passive optical network with a hybrid wavelength division multiplexing time division multiple-access scheme, implementing reconfigurable wavelength assignment is complex; hence the need to determine the conditions for which the capacity improvements justify requiring reconfigurability over adopting a more inexpensive fixed wavelength assignment. Fixed and reconfigurable approaches to wavelength assignment are modeled and evaluated under nonstationary traffic conditions. The performance improvement is obtained in terms of bit rate gain relative to the nominal bandwidth and depends on the number of wavelength channels as well as the magnitude of the load offered by the optical network units. In addition, frame delay and frame loss in relation to the bit rate performance are obtained for Pareto and exponentially distributed traffic. Simulations show that when introducing reconfigurability, typical peak bit rate gains with respect to the fixed case are 17%, and maxima of 175% are potentially possible when traffic demands are particularly uneven.This work was supported by the EC 7th Framework Program: Architectures for fLexible Photonic Home and Access networks (ALPHA), under contract ICT CP-IP 212 352, from the Generalitat of Valencia under contract ACOMP/2010/196. The authors thank the Performability Engineering Research Group (PERFORM) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for developing the software tool Mobius.García Roger, D.; Artundo Martínez, I.; Ortega Tamarit, B. (2011). On the Conditions that Justify Dynamic Reconfigurability in WDM-TDMA Optical Access Networks. Journal of Optical Communications and Networking. 3(4):259-271. https://doi.org/10.1364/JOCN.3.000259S25927134A highly flexible and efficient passive optical network employing dynamic wavelength allocation. (2005). Journal of Lightwave Technology, 23(1), 277-286. doi:10.1109/jlt.2004.838811Maier, M., Herzog, M., & Reisslein, M. (2007). STARGATE: the next evolutionary step toward unleashing the potential of WDM EPONs [Topics in Optical Communications]. IEEE Communications Magazine, 45(5), 50-56. doi:10.1109/mcom.2007.358848Urban, P. J., Huiszoon, B., Roy, R., de Laat, M. M., Huijskens, F. M., Klein, E. J., … de Waardt, H. (2009). High-Bit-Rate Dynamically Reconfigurable WDM–TDM Access Network. Journal of Optical Communications and Networking, 1(2), A143. doi:10.1364/jocn.1.00a143Glatty, R., Guignard, P., & Chanclou, P. (2009). Fair Resource Distribution Within the Flexible WDMA/TDMA Optical Access Network Based on GPON Infrastructure. Journal of Optical Communications and Networking, 1(2), A17. doi:10.1364/jocn.1.000a17Roy, R., Manhoudt, G., & van Etten, W. (2008). Optical-router-based dynamically reconfigurable photonic access network. Journal of Optical Networking, 8(1), 51. doi:10.1364/jon.8.000051Koonen, T., Steenbergen, K., Janssen, F., & Wellen, J. (2001). Photonic Network Communications, 3(3), 297-306. doi:10.1023/a:1011411600793Homa, J., & Bala, K. (2008). ROADM Architectures and Their Enabling WSS Technology. IEEE Communications Magazine, 46(7), 150-154. doi:10.1109/mcom.2008.4557058Strasser, T., & Taylor, J. (2008). ROADMS Unlock the Edge of the Network. IEEE Communications Magazine, 46(7), 146-149. doi:10.1109/mcom.2008.4557057Leland, W. E., Taqqu, M. S., Willinger, W., & Wilson, D. V. (1994). On the self-similar nature of Ethernet traffic (extended version). IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking, 2(1), 1-15. doi:10.1109/90.282603Kramer, G., Mukherjee, B., & Pesavento, G. (2002). Photonic Network Communications, 4(1), 89-107. doi:10.1023/a:1012959023043Skubic, B., Jiajia Chen, Ahmed, J., Wosinska, L., & Mukherjee, B. (2009). A comparison of dynamic bandwidth allocation for EPON, GPON, and next-generation TDM PON. IEEE Communications Magazine, 47(3), S40-S48. doi:10.1109/mcom.2009.4804388Papadimitriou, G. I., & Pomportsis, A. S. (1999). Self-adaptive TDMA protocols for WDM star networks: a learning-automata-based approach. IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, 11(10), 1322-1324. doi:10.1109/68.789731Linardakis, C., Leligou, H. C., Stavdas, A., & Angelopoulos, J. D. (2005). Using explicit reservations to arbitrate access to a metropolitan system of slotted interconnected rings combining TDMA and WDMA. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 23(4), 1576-1585. doi:10.1109/jlt.2005.844198Kanonakis, K., & Tomkos, I. (2010). Improving the efficiency of online upstream scheduling and wavelength assignment in hybrid WDM/TDMA EPON networks. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, 28(6), 838-848. doi:10.1109/jsac.2010.100809McGarry, M. P., Reisslein, M., & Maier, M. (2006). WDM Ethernet passive optical networks. IEEE Communications Magazine, 44(2), 15-22. doi:10.1109/mcom.2006.1593545Dhaini, A. R., Assi, C. M., Maier, M., & Shami, A. (2007). Dynamic Wavelength and Bandwidth Allocation in Hybrid TDM/WDM EPON Networks. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 25(1), 277-286. doi:10.1109/jlt.2006.886683Chihchung Chen, Chengkuo Lee, & Yen-Jyh Lai. (2003). Novel voa using in-plane reflective micromirror and off-axis light attenuation. IEEE Communications Magazine, 41(8), S16-S20. doi:10.1109/mcom.2003.122271

Next-generation optical access seamless Evolution: concluding results of the European FP7 project OASE

Increasing bandwidth demand drives the need for next-generation optical access (NGOA) networks that can meet future end-user service requirements. This paper gives an overview of NGOA solutions, the enabling optical access network technologies, architecture principles, and related economics and business models. NGOA requirements (including peak and sustainable data rate, reach, cost, node consolidation, and open access) are proposed, and the different solutions are compared against such requirements in different scenarios (in terms of population density and system migration). Unsurprisingly, it is found that different solutions are best suited for different scenarios. The conclusions drawn from such findings allow us to formulate recommendations in terms of technology, strategy, and policy. The paper is based on the main results of the European FP7 OASE Integrated Project that ran between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2013

Next generation optical access networks and coexistence with legacy PONs

Nowadays, Fiber-to-the-Home is one of the most promising solutions to provide broadband services in access networks. However, the fiber is inefficiently used as most of the deployed systems are still based on Time Division Multiplexing Passive Optical Networks (TDM-PONs) providing shared transmission capacities up to 2.5 Gb/s down and 1.25 Gb/s up, among multiple users. Research on high-speed electronics and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) has allowed the emergence of what is known as the second generation PON (NG-PON2), which specify aggregated capacities up to 40 Gb/s, stacking four channels at symmetric data rates of 10 Gb/s each, for residential scenarios. Nevertheless, the capacity per channel is still shared between multiple users due to the use of TDM. Moreover, the optical spectrum efficiency is low because channels are widely spaced (50 to 100 GHz). In addition, the sensitivity, reach and number of users is limited as consequence of using direct detection (DD) systems. In consequence, and due to the increase in bandwidth demands of new multimedia applications, it is necessary to propose solutions that cope with this tendency and, even more important, that can coexist with legacy systems, being one of the major requirements of network operators to guarantee a smooth and non-disruptive technology migration. In this thesis, a breakthrough technology such as Ultra-Dense WDM (UDWDM) that allows to allocate a large number of channels spaced only by a few GHz is used. This approach consent to envision the concept of Wavelength-to-the-User, where each costumer can be served with dedicated bandwidth links. The key technologies are based on coherent systems, with inherent wavelength selectivity and improved sensitivity compared to DD systems, thanks to the booster action of a tunable local oscillator (LO) laser. Because of cost is the main constraint in access networks, especially at the customer premises equipment (Optical Network Unit - ONU), in this thesis, a new class of coherent transceivers, based on low-cost direct modulated lasers and simplified receiver schemes, are proposed and experimentally tested. Moreover, the issue of coexistence is investigated through theoretical studies and real-time implementations, demonstrating full compatibility with legacy systems. Between the proposed solutions, a simple technique to adjust digitally the direct phase modulation of a distributed feedback (DFB) laser is presented to support flexible transmission rates. Next, several multilevel phase modulation formats for achieving higher transmission rates and better spectral efficiency are experimentally compared. Subsequently, the topic of photonic integration is addressed, demonstrating for the first time an 8-ary hybrid amplitude and phase modulated transmitter (Tx), by using a low-cost, small-footprint and energy efficient dual electro-absorption modulated laser (DEML). Finally, two novel proposals, to reduce the complexity of heterodyne and intradyne detection, are provided to face the typical issue of complexity and high-cost of coherent systems. The former explores the possibility of using only one DFB laser as LO and Tx at the ONU. The later demonstrates for the first time, a novel phase time diversity technique alternating phase modulation at each complex component (in-phase - I and quadrature - Q) achieving a 10 Gb/s' transmission with polarization independence.En la actualidad, la Fibra hasta el Hogar es una de las soluciones más prometedoras para proporcionar servicios de banda ancha en las redes de acceso. Sin embargo, la fibra se usa de manera poco eficiente, ya que la mayoría de los sistemas implementados todavía están basados en redes ópticas pasivas de multiplexación por división en el tiempo (TDM-PON) que brindan capacidades de transmisión compartidas entre múltiples usuarios de hasta 2.5 Gb/s y 1.25 Gb/s. La investigación en electrónica de alta velocidad y la multiplexación por división de longitud de onda (WDM) ha permitido el surgimiento de lo hoy se conoce como PON de segunda generación (NG-PON2), que especifica capacidades agregadas de hasta 40 Gb/s, apilando cuatro canales a velocidades de datos simétricas de 10 Gb/s cada uno, para escenarios residenciales. Sin embargo, la capacidad por canal todavía se comparte entre múltiples usuarios debido al uso de TDM. Además, la eficiencia en el uso del espectro óptico es baja porque los canales están muy separados (50 a 100 GHz). Asimismo, la sensibilidad, el alcance y el número de usuarios están limitados debido al uso de sistemas de detección directa. En consecuencia, y debido al aumento de las demandas de ancho de banda de las nuevas aplicaciones multimedia, es necesario proponer soluciones que respondan a esta tendencia y, lo que es más importante, que puedan coexistir con sistemas heredados, siendo uno de los principales requisitos de los operadores de red para garantizar una migración de tecnología fluida y sin interrupciones. En esta tesis, se utiliza una tecnología de vanguardia, como la multiplexación por división ultra densa de longitud de onda (UDWDM) que permite distribuir un gran número de canales espaciados solo por unos pocos GHz. Este enfoque permite vislumbrar el concepto de longitud de onda para el usuario, donde cada cliente puede usar enlaces de ancho de banda dedicados. Las tecnologías clave están basadas en los sistemas coherentes, con selectividad de longitud de onda inherente y sensibilidad mejorada en comparación con los sistemas de detección directa, gracias al efecto de amplificación óptica de un láser oscilador local (LO) sintonizable. Debido a que el costo es la principal restricción en las redes de acceso, especialmente del equipo en las instalaciones del cliente (unidad de red óptica - ONU), en ésta tesis, una nueva clase de transceptores coherentes, basados en láseres de bajo coste modulados directamente y esquemas de recepción simplificados, son propuestos y probados experimentalmente. Además, el problema de la coexistencia es investigado a través de estudios teóricos y experimentos en tiempo real, demostrando compatibilidad total con los sistemas heredados. Entre las soluciones propuestas, se presenta una técnica simple para ajustar digitalmente la modulación de fase directa de un láser de retroalimentación distribuida (DFB), y admitir velocidades de transmisión flexibles. Acto seguido, se comparan experimentalmente varios formatos multinivel de modulación de fase, para lograr tasas de transmisión más altas y una mejor eficiencia espectral. Posteriormente, se aborda el tema de la integración fotónica, demostrando por primera vez un transmisor (Tx) con modulación híbrida de fase y amplitud de ocho puntos, mediante el uso de un dispositivo pequeño, de bajo coste y eficiente energéticamente, como lo es el láser dual de electro-absorción modulada (DEML). Finalmente, se presentan dos propuestas novedosas para reducir la complejidad de la detección heterodina e intradina, afrontando el problema típico de la complejidad y alto coste de los sistemas coherentes. La primera explora la posibilidad de usar solo un láser DFB en la ONU, como LO y Tx. La segunda, demuestra por primera vez, una nueva técnica de diversidad fase en el tiempo, que alterna la modulación de fase en cada componente del plano complejo (fase-I y cuadratura-Q) logrando una transmisión de 10 Gb / s / λ con independencia de polarizaciónPostprint (published version

Next generation optical access networks and coexistence with legacy PONs

Nowadays, Fiber-to-the-Home is one of the most promising solutions to provide broadband services in access networks. However, the fiber is inefficiently used as most of the deployed systems are still based on Time Division Multiplexing Passive Optical Networks (TDM-PONs) providing shared transmission capacities up to 2.5 Gb/s down and 1.25 Gb/s up, among multiple users. Research on high-speed electronics and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) has allowed the emergence of what is known as the second generation PON (NG-PON2), which specify aggregated capacities up to 40 Gb/s, stacking four channels at symmetric data rates of 10 Gb/s each, for residential scenarios. Nevertheless, the capacity per channel is still shared between multiple users due to the use of TDM. Moreover, the optical spectrum efficiency is low because channels are widely spaced (50 to 100 GHz). In addition, the sensitivity, reach and number of users is limited as consequence of using direct detection (DD) systems. In consequence, and due to the increase in bandwidth demands of new multimedia applications, it is necessary to propose solutions that cope with this tendency and, even more important, that can coexist with legacy systems, being one of the major requirements of network operators to guarantee a smooth and non-disruptive technology migration. In this thesis, a breakthrough technology such as Ultra-Dense WDM (UDWDM) that allows to allocate a large number of channels spaced only by a few GHz is used. This approach consent to envision the concept of Wavelength-to-the-User, where each costumer can be served with dedicated bandwidth links. The key technologies are based on coherent systems, with inherent wavelength selectivity and improved sensitivity compared to DD systems, thanks to the booster action of a tunable local oscillator (LO) laser. Because of cost is the main constraint in access networks, especially at the customer premises equipment (Optical Network Unit - ONU), in this thesis, a new class of coherent transceivers, based on low-cost direct modulated lasers and simplified receiver schemes, are proposed and experimentally tested. Moreover, the issue of coexistence is investigated through theoretical studies and real-time implementations, demonstrating full compatibility with legacy systems. Between the proposed solutions, a simple technique to adjust digitally the direct phase modulation of a distributed feedback (DFB) laser is presented to support flexible transmission rates. Next, several multilevel phase modulation formats for achieving higher transmission rates and better spectral efficiency are experimentally compared. Subsequently, the topic of photonic integration is addressed, demonstrating for the first time an 8-ary hybrid amplitude and phase modulated transmitter (Tx), by using a low-cost, small-footprint and energy efficient dual electro-absorption modulated laser (DEML). Finally, two novel proposals, to reduce the complexity of heterodyne and intradyne detection, are provided to face the typical issue of complexity and high-cost of coherent systems. The former explores the possibility of using only one DFB laser as LO and Tx at the ONU. The later demonstrates for the first time, a novel phase time diversity technique alternating phase modulation at each complex component (in-phase - I and quadrature - Q) achieving a 10 Gb/s' transmission with polarization independence.En la actualidad, la Fibra hasta el Hogar es una de las soluciones más prometedoras para proporcionar servicios de banda ancha en las redes de acceso. Sin embargo, la fibra se usa de manera poco eficiente, ya que la mayoría de los sistemas implementados todavía están basados en redes ópticas pasivas de multiplexación por división en el tiempo (TDM-PON) que brindan capacidades de transmisión compartidas entre múltiples usuarios de hasta 2.5 Gb/s y 1.25 Gb/s. La investigación en electrónica de alta velocidad y la multiplexación por división de longitud de onda (WDM) ha permitido el surgimiento de lo hoy se conoce como PON de segunda generación (NG-PON2), que especifica capacidades agregadas de hasta 40 Gb/s, apilando cuatro canales a velocidades de datos simétricas de 10 Gb/s cada uno, para escenarios residenciales. Sin embargo, la capacidad por canal todavía se comparte entre múltiples usuarios debido al uso de TDM. Además, la eficiencia en el uso del espectro óptico es baja porque los canales están muy separados (50 a 100 GHz). Asimismo, la sensibilidad, el alcance y el número de usuarios están limitados debido al uso de sistemas de detección directa. En consecuencia, y debido al aumento de las demandas de ancho de banda de las nuevas aplicaciones multimedia, es necesario proponer soluciones que respondan a esta tendencia y, lo que es más importante, que puedan coexistir con sistemas heredados, siendo uno de los principales requisitos de los operadores de red para garantizar una migración de tecnología fluida y sin interrupciones. En esta tesis, se utiliza una tecnología de vanguardia, como la multiplexación por división ultra densa de longitud de onda (UDWDM) que permite distribuir un gran número de canales espaciados solo por unos pocos GHz. Este enfoque permite vislumbrar el concepto de longitud de onda para el usuario, donde cada cliente puede usar enlaces de ancho de banda dedicados. Las tecnologías clave están basadas en los sistemas coherentes, con selectividad de longitud de onda inherente y sensibilidad mejorada en comparación con los sistemas de detección directa, gracias al efecto de amplificación óptica de un láser oscilador local (LO) sintonizable. Debido a que el costo es la principal restricción en las redes de acceso, especialmente del equipo en las instalaciones del cliente (unidad de red óptica - ONU), en ésta tesis, una nueva clase de transceptores coherentes, basados en láseres de bajo coste modulados directamente y esquemas de recepción simplificados, son propuestos y probados experimentalmente. Además, el problema de la coexistencia es investigado a través de estudios teóricos y experimentos en tiempo real, demostrando compatibilidad total con los sistemas heredados. Entre las soluciones propuestas, se presenta una técnica simple para ajustar digitalmente la modulación de fase directa de un láser de retroalimentación distribuida (DFB), y admitir velocidades de transmisión flexibles. Acto seguido, se comparan experimentalmente varios formatos multinivel de modulación de fase, para lograr tasas de transmisión más altas y una mejor eficiencia espectral. Posteriormente, se aborda el tema de la integración fotónica, demostrando por primera vez un transmisor (Tx) con modulación híbrida de fase y amplitud de ocho puntos, mediante el uso de un dispositivo pequeño, de bajo coste y eficiente energéticamente, como lo es el láser dual de electro-absorción modulada (DEML). Finalmente, se presentan dos propuestas novedosas para reducir la complejidad de la detección heterodina e intradina, afrontando el problema típico de la complejidad y alto coste de los sistemas coherentes. La primera explora la posibilidad de usar solo un láser DFB en la ONU, como LO y Tx. La segunda, demuestra por primera vez, una nueva técnica de diversidad fase en el tiempo, que alterna la modulación de fase en cada componente del plano complejo (fase-I y cuadratura-Q) logrando una transmisión de 10 Gb / s / λ con independencia de polarizació

Radio over fiber broadband access networks architectures based on wavelength division multiplexing techniques

The recent remarkable growth in bandwidth of both wired optical and wireless access networks supports a burst of new high bandwidth Internet applications such as: peer-topeer file sharing, cloud storage, on-line gaming, video streaming, etc. Within this scenario, the convergence of fixed and wireless access networks offers significant opportunities for network operators to satisfy user demands, and simultaneously reduce the cost of implementing and running separated wireless and wired networks. The integration of wired and wireless network can be accomplished within several scenarios and at several levels. In this thesis we will focus on converged radio over fiber architectures, particularly on two application scenarios: converged optical 60 GHz wireless networks and wireless overlay backhauling over bidirectional colorless wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks (WDM-PONs). In the first application scenario, optical 60 GHz signal generation using external modulation of an optical carrier by means of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) Mach- Zehnder modulators (MZM) is considered. The performance of different optical modulation techniques, robust against fiber dispersion is assessed and dispersion mitigation strategies are identified. The study is extended to 60 GHz carriers digitally modulated with data and to systems employing subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) mm-wave channels. In the second application scenario, the performance of WDM-PONs employing reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs), transmitting an overlay orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless signal is assessed analytically and experimentally, with the relevant system impairments being identified. It is demonstrated that the intermodulation due to the beating of the baseband signal and wireless signal at the receiver can seriously impair the wireless channel. Performance degradation of the wireless channel caused by the RSOA gain modulation owing to the downstream baseband data is also assessed, and system design guidelines are provided.Universidade do Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologi

Design and Performance Evaluation of Passive Optical Networks

Currently, new housing developments in many places around the world are built with fiber-based connections to the home, and network providers are conducting field-testing and experiments with fiber access. In order to provide a worthy alternative to the existing infrastructures, the new technology should be, among other things, cost-efficient, broad-banded, and easy to maintain and deploy. It must also support all existing services as well as offer new required services. These services include voice, data, and video/television-broadcast traffic. In this project we will carry out exploration of some of the aspects of the QoS bandwidth allocation in the 802.3ah EPON architecture and the GPON architecture in a multimedia environment. Several general traffic types will be defined, that would represent real traffic in the network, each with its own QoS requirements (bandwidth, delay, etc.). Sometimes we will use real traffic (voice, video, data). Moreover, another goal of this project is to provide an operating and configuration reference tool-like manual facilitating the functional and performance analysis of this kind of networks. This tool-like manual will include step-by-step the way to discover the behaviour of these networks. Due to the required extension of this document, the manual has been included in Annex C

Radio over fiber broadband access networks architectures based on wavelength division multiplexing techniques

The recent remarkable growth in bandwidth of both wired optical and wireless access networks supports a burst of new high bandwidth Internet applications such as: peer-topeer file sharing, cloud storage, on-line gaming, video streaming, etc. Within this scenario, the convergence of fixed and wireless access networks offers significant opportunities for network operators to satisfy user demands, and simultaneously reduce the cost of implementing and running separated wireless and wired networks. The integration of wired and wireless network can be accomplished within several scenarios and at several levels. In this thesis we will focus on converged radio over fiber architectures, particularly on two application scenarios: converged optical 60 GHz wireless networks and wireless overlay backhauling over bidirectional colorless wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks (WDM-PONs). In the first application scenario, optical 60 GHz signal generation using external modulation of an optical carrier by means of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) Mach- Zehnder modulators (MZM) is considered. The performance of different optical modulation techniques, robust against fiber dispersion is assessed and dispersion mitigation strategies are identified. The study is extended to 60 GHz carriers digitally modulated with data and to systems employing subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) mm-wave channels. In the second application scenario, the performance of WDM-PONs employing reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs), transmitting an overlay orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless signal is assessed analytically and experimentally, with the relevant system impairments being identified. It is demonstrated that the intermodulation due to the beating of the baseband signal and wireless signal at the receiver can seriously impair the wireless channel. Performance degradation of the wireless channel caused by the RSOA gain modulation owing to the downstream baseband data is also assessed, and system design guidelines are provided.Universidade do Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologi