Optical fibers are increasingly replacing copper wires. In long-haul, high-bit-rate communication systems, optical fiber has already become the dominant mode of transmission due to its enormous bandwidth and low loss. Radio Over Fiber (ROF) facilitate the seamless integration of optical and wireless communication systems. Since the RF spectrum is limited, wireless systems rely on re-using the frequencies at different geographic locations, but the ever-increasing tele-traffic demands require ever-reduced cell-sizes. This enables wireless systems to provide high data rates for a reduced number of users by assigning each of them a larger fraction of the total bandwidth. Furthermore, higher frequencies, expanding to the microwave and mm-wavelength bands are capable of supporting increased data rates. Since high-frequency signals travel shorter distances due to their higher path-loss, the cell sizes have to be further reduced. This reduction in cell size implies that more Radio Access Units (RAUs) are required for the increased number of cells, which are located close to each other. Conceiving these RAUs relying on complex signal processing is costly. Therefore, it is desirable to have simple RAUs that are connected to a central unit where all the signal processing tasks are carried out. In this scenario, ROF plays an important role in connecting these RAUs to the central unit. The major factors that make ROF suitable is its transparency to the type of RF signal being transported, the large available bandwidth of fiber and its low attenuation.
 

Key Objectives

• To explore standardized high frequency wireless signals for future wireless communications

• To provide a platform for researchers to explore design issues specific to the integration of fiber optics to wireless communications

• To initiate new discussions on the challenges and opportunities for next generation high frequency, high bit-rate Radio Over Fiber systems