Heterogeneous 60 GHz / 5 GHz broadband optical wireless systems supporting dynamic bandwidth allocation

We present our recent work in developing and demonstrating a fully converged heterogeneous high-throughput 60 GHz / 5 GHz optical wireless transmission system that allows for dynamic bandwidth allocation towards supporting Cloud RAN architectures. In addition to modulation/demodulation of the baseband optical signals, this system is responsible for the conversion of the optical phase modulated low frequency sub-carriers signals into higher frequency wireless signals and their transmission into the air. Finally, its design is capable of supporting Medium-Transparent MAC protocol mechanisms allowing for a seamless interplay between optical and wireless.

1. Introduction

The advent of the mobile revolution has introduced an unprecedented strain upon the existing wireless infrastructures, highlighting their shortcomings regarding capacity, coverage and quality of service. Upgrading the currently deployed network constitutes a major techno-economic restructuring challenge for the mobile operators, since all future Radio Access Networks (RANs) should combine omnipresent fast wireless access technology to meet traffic demands and centralized resource sharing to considerably reduce the network's development, upgrade and operational costs. State of the art technologies such as mm-wave communications and centralized Fiber-Wireless (FiWi) backhaul infrastructures are prominent solutions towards providing centralized, extended range, future proof and low cost networks.