fibers

Article
Design and Performance Analysis of the WDM
Schemes for Radio over Fiber System With Different
Fiber Propagation Losses
Adnan Hussein Ali 1, * and Alaa Desher Farhood 2
1 Technical Instructors Training Institute, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 10044, Iraq
2 Technical Electronics Department, Technical Instructors Training Tnstitute, Middle Technical University,
Baghdad 10044, Iraq; alaa.desher@gmail.com
* Correspondence: aaddnnaann63@gmail.com




Received: 27 December 2018; Accepted: 20 February 2019; Published: 26 February 2019


Abstract: The integration of optical and wireless networks increases mobility and capacity
and decreases costs in access networks. Fibre optic communication can be considered optical
communication that combines the methodologies of two communications, and it may be utilised in
systems of wired and wireless communication. The solution for many problems is radio over fibre
(RoF) because it can control many base stations (BS) that are connected to a central station (CS) with
an optical fibre. The received RoF signal head for in a low quality; thus, many factors will result in
some problems such as a high bit error rate (BER) and low Q-factor values, and the receiver might
not be operating in a high data rate network. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network
can offer a solution to these problems where the transmission of different signals can be done with
a single-mode fibre. BER should be reduced to assured values, and the Q-factor must be increased.
The investigation of WDM-RoF with different lengths of fibre at various channel spacing will be
simulated using Optisystem software, and the RoF’s receiver performance is measured and analyzed
depending on the acquired BER, the value of the Q-factor, and the height of the opening of the eye
diagram. The degradation factors effect such as attenuation and dispersion are significantly limited
with the addition of an EDFA amplifier to a Single Mode Fibre (SMF).

Keywords: Radio over Fiber; Wavelength Division Multiplexing; WDM-RoF; high bit error rate
(BER); Q-factor

1. Introduction
The fast evolution of Internet traffic and emerging applications can be considered a significant
driver for high-capacity and cost-effective optical fibre transmission technologies. The technique of the
information transmitting between two positions is a fibre optic communication, which is completed by
sending light within the optical fibre [1]. This communication system can be used for long distance
applications that’s needed a total transmission capacity and increasing cost recovering. Optical
transmission systems are popular for maintaining low power for short-to-medium-range wireless
communications. However, for other applications where transmission distance is large, high power
is required. In an optical fibre, various nonlinear effects begin to appear as the optical power level
increases [2].
Radio over fibre (RoF) is an analogue optical link transmitting modulated RF signals. It assists
in transmitting the RF signal downlink and uplink to and from the central station (CS) to the base
station (BS). The characteristics of great capacity, high speed with small losses are considered at the
beginning for the RoF systems, where the main advantage of Rof systems is the mobile communication

Fibers 2019, 7, 19; doi:10.3390/fib7030019 www.mdpi.com/journal/fibers

Fibers 2019, 7, 19 2 of 12

adaptability and flexibility to associate with the growth movement of the forthcoming 5G mobile
communication in addition to the request services for gigabit size [3].
The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technique is used in optical communication for the
multiplexing sum of optical carrier signals that have various wavelengths within a single optical fibre.
These signals have different laser light wavelengths to carry different signals. They can realize higher
data rate, larger capacities, and enhanced flexibility with a comparatively low cost. This upgrade can
be easily achieved for these systems, in addition to the bidirectional transmission advantage over a
length of the single fibre at both transmitter and receiver [4].
Using WDM as an alternative to the FDM (frequency-division multiplexing) technique was
suggested in 1970 by DeLange. The characteristics of implementation any modulation scheme within
WDM is realized for any wavelength; however, with the condition of the signal spectral, width must
not exceed the limit of the using channel spacing. The total capacity per fibre optic within this WDM
technique is assumed by N × R, where R represents the channel bit rate and is supposed to be similar
for all channels [5].
The WDM bands have an approximation wavelength range value has not been standardized thus
far. These bands, like O-band, S-band, and C-band, have a range different from another; for example,
the range of 1260 nm to 1360 nm for O-band corresponds to a bandwidth of 14 THz, while the 1460 nm
to 1625 nm range is for a grouping of S-band and C-band and corresponds to 15 THz of bandwidth [6].
The total available bandwidth per fibre optic in an individual O-band, S-band, and C-band is around
30 THz of the low-loss regions of a standard G.652 single-mode fibre [7].
This paper focuses on the transmission of data streams over a range of optical fibre lengths using
the WDM scheme. The channel spacing was maintained at 0.4 nm, and the input power was fixed,
so that the WDM-RoF network execution can be analyzed.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. WDM
WDM is an important feature in the expansion of optical communications. WDM has provided
more flexibility to the system and simplified the network design. It helps with the enhancement of the
system’s capacity by sending multiple wavelengths over a single fibre [8]. A considerable increase
in the data rate can be offered by WDM systems that are passed over a single fibre using multiple
wavelengths, where a separate channel is carried at each wavelength. In WDM, the optical spectrum is
divided into smaller channels; each can be used for transmitting and receiving data simultaneously [9].
For the WDM system, each wavelength can be preserved as a discrete channel on which different
data can be carried. A WDM multiplexer can be considered a passive device where light signals are
combined with different wavelengths in a single fibre. The use of WDM for RoF signal distribution has
gained importance in recent times. WDM enables the effective exploitation for the fibre bandwidth.
The optical filter selection and wavelength stability limitations of semiconductor lasers, as well as the
minimum channel spacing for commercial WDM, is approximately 50 GHz. This channel spacing can
be reduced to 50 GHz or made equal to 25 GHz with a possibility of using hundreds of channels [10].
The optical WDM network is illustrated in Figure 1, in which a substitution of the wavelength
of frequency and a separated wavelength λi are transmitted by each transmitter to different
receivers [11]. WDM has the ability to transmit different frequencies without any interference in
radio broadcasting [12]. Two types of WDM systems are dense wavelength division multiplexing and
coarse wavelength division multiplexing.
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 3 of 12
Fibers 2019, 7, x 3 of 12

Figure 1. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) configuration.

Figure 1. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) configuration.
In the WDM
Subcarrier technique, N
Multiplexing optical
(SCM) canwavelength
be considerednumbers can be used
a complement as a data carrier,
of multiplexing and these
techniques that
wavelengths can be combined with an optical fibre utilising WDM multiplexer, while
can be utilised in optical systems for increasing the efficiency of bandwidth application. In an RoFat the receiver,
the separation
system of these
with SCM wavelengths
technique, as individual
multiple channels
radio frequency RFwill be done
signals by using
multiplex a WDM
in the demultiplexer.
frequency domain
Each optical wavelength is different and typical; the gap between wavelengths controls
and are then transmitted at a single wavelength. SCM can be combined with WDM to provide a more the channel
spacing technique
flexible to avoid the foroverlapping, which hasathappened
optical transmission high speed in the
withoptical carriersbandwidth
high optical [13]. efficiency in
Subcarrier Multiplexing (SCM) can be considered a complement of multiplexing
addition to high dispersion tolerance. This combination is more sensitive to noise effects; techniques that
however,
can beisutilised
there in opticalassystems
a disadvantage, for increasing
represented the efficiency
by the limitation of bandwidth
of the maximum application.
subcarrier In an RoF
frequencies and
system with
data rates. SCM technique, multiple radio frequency RF signals multiplex in the frequency domain
and are then transmitted at a single wavelength. SCM can be combined with WDM to provide a more
flexible
2.2. RoF technique for optical transmission at high speed with high optical bandwidth efficiency in
addition to high dispersion tolerance. This combination is more sensitive to noise effects; however,
thereThe
is a RoF system is practically
disadvantage, well‐matched
as represented with the
by the limitation of technology
the maximum of WDM, which
subcarrier gives a huge
frequencies and
number
data rates.
of the essential BS for covering a wireless service area in arrangements of the Pico‐ or Femto‐
cell [14].
The demand to have broadband capacity, which applies a pressure on the wireless
2.2. RoF
communication systems for increasing the coverage area and the capacity of the transmission [15].
The RoF system is practically well-matched with the technology of WDM, which gives a huge
RoF is an appropriate system because it consumes less power and costs less. This is because the
number of the essential BS for covering a wireless service area in arrangements of the Pico- or Femto-
RoF system lets the electrical signal modulate the optical source. Then, the optical signal is
cell [14].
propagated through the optical fibre to a remote station. If the RF signal is modulated directly to the
The demand to have broadband capacity, which applies a pressure on the wireless communication
optical link, the power consumption will be dropped while the antenna side has carriers with high
systems for increasing the coverage area and the capacity of the transmission [15].
radio frequency. The cost reduction in RoF technology can be demonstrated in two stations: the first
RoF is an appropriate system because it consumes less power and costs less. This is because the
is CS, which provides resources that may be shared by a set of BS; the second is BS, which can only
RoF system lets the electrical signal modulate the optical source. Then, the optical signal is propagated
execute simple tasks. Furthermore, the size of BS is smaller, and it costs less.
through the optical fibre to a remote station. If the RF signal is modulated directly to the optical link,
The range of GHz frequency requires extra bandwidth, which gives additional capacity for
the power consumption will be dropped while the antenna side has carriers with high radio frequency.
carrying data. For a wireless data transmission, further losses are encountered in RoF systems, hence
The cost reduction in RoF technology can be demonstrated in two stations: the first is CS, which
no long distance transmission can be performed. Instead, low‐frequency signals can be used for long
provides resources that may be shared by a set of BS; the second is BS, which can only execute simple
distances which encounters fewer losses. Therefore, there is a need for a waveguide for carrying these
tasks. Furthermore, the size of BS is smaller, and it costs less.
signals.
The range of GHz frequency requires extra bandwidth, which gives additional capacity for
In RoF, the CS is connected with many BS with optical fibres. BS functions only to convert an
carrying data. For a wireless data transmission, further losses are encountered in RoF systems, hence
optical signal into a wireless signal and vice versa, whereas CS executes all processes of modulation,
no long distance transmission can be performed. Instead, low-frequency signals can be used for long
demodulation, routing, and coding. The RoF system distributes the RF signal using a high linear optic
distances which encounters fewer losses. Therefore, there is a need for a waveguide for carrying
link between CS and BS.
these signals.
The demand for increasing the capacity and the bandwidth of wireless system, the WDM
In RoF, the CS is connected with many BS with optical fibres. BS functions only to convert an
technique has been employed in RoF systems (WDM‐RoF). A wireless network based on RoF
optical signal into a wireless signal and vice versa, whereas CS executes all processes of modulation,
technologies is a practical solution. It acts as a back‐end technology for the transportation of
demodulation, routing, and coding. The RoF system distributes the RF signal using a high linear optic
microwaves and millimetre waves [16].
link between CS and BS.
Integration of WDM into RoF leads to a significant increase in the coverage area and the overall
The demand for increasing the capacity and the bandwidth of wireless system, the WDM
capacity of the current optical network and offers the benefits of high data rate and increased
technique has been employed in RoF systems (WDM-RoF). A wireless network based on RoF
mobility. A WDM‐RoF system is proposed for signal demodulation. This has prevented the need to
design and install two separate networks.
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 4 of 12

technologies is a practical solution. It acts as a back-end technology for the transportation of

microwaves and millimetre waves [16].
Integration of WDM into RoF leads to a significant increase in the coverage area and the overall
capacity of the current optical network and offers the benefits of high data rate and increased mobility.
A WDM-RoF system is proposed for signal demodulation. This has prevented the need to design and
install two separate networks.
The universal Internet traffic is increasing at a massive pace and is estimated to keep increasing
over the next few years. To support this growth, a future-proof network needs to be designed.
This network needs to offer large bandwidth and high data rate in a cost-effective way. If this network
can combine wireless and wired facilities together, then, along with high data rate, increased mobility
can be achieved [17]. RoF is a technique that combines both wired (optical) and wireless (microwave)
networks. An RoF network involves the transmission of RFs over an optical fibre link to support
numerous wireless applications.
A solution has been proposed by many researchers. Singh et al. [3] proposed a WDM–RoF
system transmitting a 1 Gbps downlink and uplink information stream over a length of 25 km with
an effectively–factor. Pradeep et al. [5] proposed architecture for wired as well as wireless systems
that was capable of delivering a 2.5 Gbps uplink signal. Won et al. [11] demonstrated the synchronous
transmission of a 1.25 Gbps wired and wireless information stream over a WDM–RoF access system.
Arief et al. [17] proposed a blend of SCM and WDM models to ensure vast transmission capacity and a
high information rate in cellular communication, particularly between CS and BS.
Abdel Hakeim M. Husein (2014) [18] investigated spectrum sliced dense wavelength division
multiplexed passive optical network (SS-DWDM–PON) as a solution for power active and cost efficient
in optical access network. An SS-DWDM system with high speed can be achieved with 32 channels a
data rate can be reached of up to 3 Gb/s non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ) using a
broadband amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source. This was demonstrated in a 40 km optical
fiber link with bit error rate (BER) < 10−12 .
Fady et al. (2017) [19] proposed and investigated a 10 Gbit/s symmetric bidirectional WDM-PON
system with centralized direct and lightwave detection. The transmission of the differential phase-shift
keying (DPSK) modulated signal over Single Mode Fibre (SMF) with a length of 25-km can be
considered for downstream. While, for upstream link the DPSK modulated signal would be
demodulated using RSOA (Reflective Semiconductor Optical Amplifier) that exit at the optical network
unit (ONU) side. The corresponding results for a WDM-PON with symmetric 10 Gbit/s were achieved
in the proposed design with a small effect of dispersion. The results indicate that the BER curve went
down from BER = 1 × 10−13 at Pu = −13.89 dBm to BER = 1 × 10−16 at Pu = −13.835 dBm in the
downstream signal for the SMF length of 25 km.
Optical amplifiers and local networks might make major contributions in the long term.
Even optical signals can be transmitted without amplifiers for a long distance. Many techniques can
be used for optical amplification, such as regeneration techniques that provide support for powering
up the signal and ensuring total data transparency. Another technique is regeneration and reshaping
amplification, in which an optical signal can be converted into electrical signals and then be utilised
for modulating a laser. There are also regeneration, reshaping, and relocking techniques, which can
transform the data stream within an electronic signal. After that, the retransmission of optical signal
for amplifying the signal [9]. In this technique, the noise can be removed greatly over the reshaping
process. Typically, reshaping tasks are conducted on digital signals; however, in some cases, they are
conducted on analog signals. Relocking cannot be done with an analog modulated signal.

3. Description of WDM-RoF System

The suggested system consists of four RF signals transmitted over single-mode optical fibre at
different distances (5, 10, 20, 50, and 60 km) and received by four remote stations. RoF network
with optical communication can be simulated and implemented using Optisystem, a powerful and
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 5 of 12

inventive software design tool that allows users to design, test, and simulate virtually each optical
type of link positioned in the transmission layer of the broad spectrum of the optical networks.
The block diagram of the proposed WDM-RoF system is shown in Figure 2. The transmitter
consists of channels, and each channel has its own operating wavelength. Channel 1 is 1552.50 nm,
with a linewidth of 10 MHz, and so on. As a result, a wavelength spacing equal to 0.4 nm between
subsequent channels is maintained for low and smooth transmission. Because the separation is narrow,
Fibers 2019, 7, x 5 of 12
it helps to support big client numbers and to accomplish a high rate. Each channel has an input
power
has to be changed
a bandwidth GHz−can
of 10from 15 dBm to 15the
combine dBm withthat
signal a step of 5dBm.
comes Theinput
from the WDMchannel
multiplexer that
and then
has a bandwidth of 10 GHz can combine the signal that comes from the input channel
transmit it over the optical fibre. The optical fibre length varies from 5 km to 60 km. In optical and then
transmit it over links,
communication the optical
Erbiumfibre.
DopedTheFiber
optical fibre length
Amplifiers variesare
(EDFAs) from
used5 km to 60 km. the
for enhancing In optical
signal
communication links, Erbium Doped
power to all channels simultaneously. Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) are used for enhancing the signal
power to all channels simultaneously.

Figure 2. The proposed WDM-radio over fibre (RoF) system.

Figure 2. The proposed WDM‐radio over fibre (RoF) system.

The proposed WDM multiplexer of 10 GHz bandwidth has a four‐signal four-signal combination,
combination, each from
one input
input channel, which it transmits over an optical fibre link that operateswavelength
channel, which it transmits over an optical fibre link that operates in the window
in the wavelength
of 1550 nm
window and requests
of 1550 nm and for dispersion
requests management.
for dispersion management.
At the transmitter, the binary data supplied by the pseudo-random pseudo‐random bit sequence (PRBS) is
converted into
intonon
nonreturn
returnto zero (NRZ)
to zero electrical
(NRZ) pulses to
electrical generate
pulses a baseband
to generate a signal.
baseband The information
signal. The
rate for the re-enactment
information of both the downlink
rate for the re‐enactment of bothand
the uplink
downlink signals
andisuplink
set to 1signals
Gbps. The
is setcarrier frequency
to 1 Gbps. The
carrier frequency of the electrical amplitude modulator is 1.7 GHz and can be used to convert the
of the electrical amplitude modulator is 1.7 GHz and can be used to convert the frequency of
baseband signal
frequency of the to the RF clock
baseband signalfrequency.
to the RF clock frequency.
The RF signal is applied to the 90o 90◦ hybrid coupler after the SCM carrier generator, as shown in
Furthermore, the
Figure 3. Furthermore, the outputs
outputs ofof the
the hybrid
hybrid coupler
coupler areare connected
connected to to the
the dual
dual port,
port, dual
dual drive,
drive,
Mach-Zender modulator (MZM). The MZM is used for the transmission of
Lithium Niobate (LiNb), Mach‐Zender
microwave signals
signals into optical
optical signals.
signals. This
This MZM
MZM has has four
four ports,
ports, out
out of
of which
which three
three are used as an
input port and one is used as as an
an output
output port.
port. Subsequently,
Subsequently, port 1 of MZM is driven driven by thethe amplitude
amplitude
modulator, and
modulator, and port
port 2 is driven by a 1 Gbps baseband signal. The optical signal obtained at the output
port of MZM is further transmitted over the optical fibre fibre link.
link.
 Fibers 2019, 7, x 6 of 12
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 6 of 12
Fibers 2019, 7, x 6 of 12

Figure 3. WDM transmitter.

Figure 3. WDM transmitter.
Figure
Then, the optical modulated signal 3. WDMthrough
is passed transmitter.
an SMF channel. This optical link model
Then,
utilises an thethe optical
SMF, modulated
whichmodulated signalquality
confirms asignal
good is passed level through
through an SMF channel. This optical link model
Then, optical is passed through anthe
SMF transport
channel. ofThis
signals. The link
optical attenuation
model
utilises an
factor value SMF, which
canwhich
be chosenconfirms a
witha0.2good quality
dB/quality
km, and level through
thethrough
distancethe the transport
changes from of signals. The attenuation
utilises an SMF, confirms good level transport of5signals.
km to 600
Thekm.attenuation
factor value4can be chosen with 0.2 dB/ km, and the distance changes from 5 km to 600 km. Bessel
factorFigure
value can shows a receiver
be chosen withwith a positive
0.2 dB/ km, and intrinsic negative
the distance (PIN)from
changes photodetector,
5 km to 600low‐pass
km.
Figure 4 shows
electrical withaareceiver
receiver with a positive intrinsic negative (PIN) Thephotodetector, low-pass Bessel
Figurefilter
4 shows 16 GHz with
cut‐off frequency,
a positive and negative
intrinsic BER analyzer. thermal noise
(PIN) photodetector, of the
low‐pass PIN
Bessel
electrical
detector is filter with
not with
taken1616 GHz
into cut-off
account. frequency, and BER analyzer. The thermal noise of the PIN detector
electrical filter GHz cut‐off frequency, and BER analyzer. The thermal noise of the PIN
is notIntaken
the into account.
figure, the optical modulated signal sent through the fibre is directly detected on the PIN
detector is not taken into account.
In
photodiodethe figure,
with thethe optical
a suitable modulated signal
sensitivity. signal
The sent through thereplica
photocurrent fibre is ofdirectly detected on the PIN
In the figure, optical modulated sent through isthea fibre the modulated
is directly detected onRF thesignal
PIN
photodiode with
applied externally a suitable sensitivity. The photocurrent is a replica of the modulated RF signal applied
photodiode with a by meanssensitivity.
suitable of the MZMThe modulator
photocurrent at the transmitter.
is a replica This of thePIN photodiode
modulated RFconverts
signal
externally
the optical by means
signal to of electrical
an the MZMsignal,
modulator
which atisthethentransmitter.
amplified This
throughPIN anphotodiode
electrical converts the
amplifier for
applied externally by means of the MZM modulator at the transmitter. This PIN photodiode converts
optical
making signal
upsignalto an
the power electrical signal,
loss owing which is
to thewhich then
attenuation amplified through an electrical amplifier for making
the optical to an electrical signal, is then in the fibre.through
amplified A gain an of electrical
20 dB confirms
amplifierthatfor
all
up the power
distorted loss
signals owing
that are to the attenuation
attenuated through in the fibre. Aby
transmission gain
fibreof channels
20 dB confirms
may bethat all distorted
recovered at the
making up the power loss owing to the attenuation in the fibre. A gain of 20 dB confirms that all
signals that are attenuated through transmission by fibre channels may be recovered at the receiver.
receiver.
distorted signals that are attenuated through transmission by fibre channels may be recovered at the
receiver.

Figure 4. Receiver layout.

Figure 4. Receiver layout.

In the electrical section of the receiver, Figure 4. after the down

Receiver layout.conversion of RF from an optical signal
andIn thethe
amplification process by the repeater,
repeater, a fork is used to duplicate the input signal and develop
electrical section of the receiver, after the down conversion of RF from an optical signal
fourthe outputsignals
output signals. A low-bass Bessel filter (LPF) is used to separate interesting individual RF
and amplification. A low‐bass
process by Bessel filter
the repeater, (LPF)
a forkisis used
used totoseparate
duplicate interesting
the inputindividual
signal andRF signals
develop
signals
from from
other RFother RF signals,
signals, and then and
a then a quadrature
quadrature demodulator demodulator
is used toisdemodulate
used to demodulate
the the
signal. Thesignal.
LPF
four output signals . A low‐bass Bessel filter (LPF) is used to separate interesting individual RF signals
The LPF selection
selection is intended to improve the system performance by controllingthe the nonlinear effects
from otherisRFintended to improve
signals, and the system
then a quadrature performance
demodulator by controlling
is used to demodulate nonlinear
the signal. effects
The LPFof
of crosstalk.
crosstalk.
selection is intended to improve the system performance by controlling the nonlinear effects of
The main descriptions of the components in the proposed
crosstalk. proposed network
network are are as
as follows:
follows:
1. Pseudo mainrandom number generator (PRPS): a bit sequencenetwork
is generated
are as here, based on various
1. The Pseudo descriptions
random number of the components
generator (PRPS):in thea bitproposed
sequence is generated follows:
here, based on various
operating
1. Pseudo modes.
random The
number design of
generator such bits
(PRPS): is related to the random data characteristics.
operating modes. The design of such bits isarelated
bit sequence is generated
to the random here, based on various
data characteristics.
2. operating
NRZ coding: generates
modes. The designa pulseof according
such bits isto the PRBS
related sequence.
to the random data characteristics.
2. NRZ coding: generates a pulse according to the PRBS sequence.
2.3. Laser:
NRZ
3. Optical
generates
coding:
Laser: generates
a continuous
generates a pulse
a continuous
wave optical
according
wave optical to signal.
the PRBS
signal. sequence.
3.4. Laser: modulator:
generates this modulator
a continuous depends
wave optical on the effect of electro‐optic principle that the
signal.
Optical voltage
4. external modulator: this
is applied modulator
to changedependsdepends
the refractive on index
the effect
andof ofaelectro-optic
as principle
result the intensity that the
modulation
4. Optical modulator: this modulator on the effect electro‐optic principle that the
external
is occured.voltage is applied to change the refractive index and as a result the intensity modulation
external voltage is applied to change the refractive index and as a result the intensity modulation
is occured.
is occured.
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 7 of 12
Fibers 2019, 7, x 7 of 12

5. PIN photodiode: the optical signal obtained from the fibre is filtered and converted to an
5. PIN photodiode: the optical signal obtained from the fibre is filtered and converted to an
electrical signal.
electrical signal.
6.6. The
The performance
performance of of the
the RoF receiver can
RoF receiver can be
be measured
measured byby investigating
investigatingthetheeye
eyediagram
diagramafter
aftera
asimulated
simulateddesign
design has been prepared. The eye diagram analyzer uses a modulated
has been prepared. The eye diagram analyzer uses a modulated signal with signal
with multiple traces
multiple traces to createto create an eye
an eye diagram.
diagram. TheThe produced
produced eyeeye diagram
diagram cancan
be be considered
considered an
an oscilloscope display, where the diagram corresponds to minimal signal
oscilloscope display, where the diagram corresponds to minimal signal distortion owing distortion owing to
to intersymbol interference in addition to the appearing noise in the system.
intersymbol interference in addition to the appearing noise in the system. Eye pattern Eye pattern
measurements
measurementsare arecompleted
completedbased
basedon onthe
thetime
timedomain,
domain,and
andthe
thewaveform
waveformdistortion
distortioneffect
effectmay
may
appear in the regular BER screen of test equipment. The time interval and noise
appear in the regular BER screen of test equipment. The time interval and noise margin margin are a are
parta
of theofinformation
part that can
the information thatbe obtained
can from from
be obtained the eye
thepattern display.
eye pattern display.
4. Results and Discussion
4. Results and Discussion
The proposed WDM-RoF network was positively simulated and analyzed using Optisystem 13,
The proposed WDM‐RoF network was positively simulated and analyzed using Optisystem 13,
a commercial optical system simulator. Figure 5 shows the optical spectrum after being multiplexed by
a commercial optical system simulator. Figure 5 shows the optical spectrum after being multiplexed
the WDM multiplexer. The spectrum was observed using an optical spectrum analyzer at the output
by the WDM multiplexer. The spectrum was observed using an optical spectrum analyzer at the
of the WDM multiplexer.
output of the WDM multiplexer.
Single parameter optimisation (SPO) can benefit the simulation a lot. SPO assistances the simulator
Single parameter optimisation (SPO) can benefit the simulation a lot. SPO assistances the
for optimizing all parameters to allow the access to the results of the simulation. Thus, the optimization
simulator for optimizing all parameters to allow the access to the results of the simulation. Thus, the
of the length of EDFA and a maximum gain can be obtained with the software of optimization tools.
optimization of the length of EDFA and a maximum gain can be obtained with the software of
Moreover, the attenuation can be measured for getting the Q-factor and BER with a minimum values
optimization tools. Moreover, the attenuation can be measured for getting the Q factor and BER with
from the length of fibre optimization.
a minimum values from the length of fibre optimization.
The simulation was run immediately after the connection of all components was completed and
The simulation was run immediately after the connection of all components was completed and
SPO was initialized so as to get the simulation result. The measurements of the proposed system
SPO was initialized so as to get the simulation result. The measurements of the proposed system
started as soon as the run button was on, then a BER and Q-factor can be seen easily. An eye diagram
started as soon as the run button was on, then a BER and Q factor can be seen easily. An eye diagram
was created to see the BER values, eye opening, in additional to the Q factor.
was created to see the BER values, eye opening, in additional to the Q factor.

Figure5.5.Optical
Figure Opticalspectrum
spectrummultiplexed
multiplexedby
byWDM.
WDM.

Theanalysis
The analysisofofthethereceiver
receiver performance
performance cancan
be be
seenseen in the
in the simulation
simulation run run of BER
of the the BER andeye
and the the
eye diagram
diagram diagram.diagram. The results
The results can becan
seenbeinseen in Figures
Figures 6–8. For6–8. For receiver
receiver 1 with 5 1km
with 5 km
fibre fibrethe
length, length,
BER
the BER analyzer shows that the minimum BER for the received signal was
analyzer shows that the minimum BER for the received signal was 1.1009 × 10 . The Q-factor for 1.1009
− ×
10 10 −10. The Q factor

for receiver
this this receiver
was was 6.3046.
6.3046. The receiver
The receiver resultsresults indicate
indicate a perfect
a perfect performance
performance with referring
with referring to theto the
BER
BER value
value of 10−of9 ,10
and, and
−9
moremore
thanthan 6 with
6 with respect
respect to Q factor.
to Q-factor. TheThe noise
noise immunityofofthe
immunity thereceiver
receiversignal
signal
affected by the eye diagram height and shown 0.00027
affected by the eye diagram height and shown 0.00027 for receiver 1. for receiver 1.
Forreceiver
For receiver 22 with
with 2020km
kmfibre
fibrelength,
length,the received
the received signal hadhad
signal a BER of 2.4347
a BER × 10−9×
of 2.4347 . The
10−Q 9 . factor
The
of the received signal is 5.81. Thus, the BER analyzer shows that this receiver has also
Q-factor of the received signal is 5.81. Thus, the BER analyzer shows that this receiver has also received received a good
asignal quality.quality.
good signal The eye opening
The of the eye
eye opening diagram
of the is 0.000157.
eye diagram is 0.000157.
For receiver 3 with 60 km fibre length, the received signal had a BER of 1.918 × 10−8. The Q factor
of the received signal is 3.53. Here, the BER analyzer shows a bad signal quality. The eye opening of
the eye diagram is 0.0000121.
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 8 of 12

For receiver 3 with 60 km fibre length, the received signal had a BER of 1.918 × 10−8 . The Q-factor
of the received signal is 3.53. Here, the BER analyzer shows a bad signal quality. The eye opening of
the eye diagram is 0.0000121.
Fibers 2019, 7, x
For comparison of the received signal, receiver 1 had a higher immunity to the noise8 than of 12

receiver 3.
For comparison of the received signal, receiver 1 had a higher immunity to the noise than
receiver 3.

.
(6a) Q‐Factor (6b) BER Pattern
Figure 6. Bit error rate (BER) analyzer for receiver 1 with 5 km fibre length.
Figure 6. Bit error rate (BER) analyzer for receiver 1 with 5 km fibre length.
As shown in the sample above, BER was 1.10 × 10−10 , and the Q-factor is 6.30. This sample result
As shown in the sample
of the eye opening above,
was 2.585 × 10 BER
−5 . was 1.10 × 10is−10a, good
The sample and the
oneQbecause
factor isthe
6.30.
BER This sample
value result
was less of
than
the eye opening was 2.585 × 10 −5. The sample is a good one because the BER value was less than 10−9,
10−9 , while the Q-factor was a greater than 6. Thus, for receivers with an output just similar to the
while the
above Q factor
sample, thenwas a greater
all the proposed than 6. Thus, for
parameters canreceivers withwithout
be achieved an output just similar to the above
difficulty.
sample, then all the proposed parameters can be achieved without difficulty.

(7a) Q‐Factor (7b) BER Pattern

Figure 7. BER analyzer for receiver 2 with 20 km fiber length.

length.
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 9 of 12
Fibers
Fibers 2019,
2019, 7,
7, xx 99 of
of 12
12

(8a)
(8a) Q‐Factor
Q‐Factor (8b)
(8b) BER
BER Pattern
Pattern
Figure 8.
Figure BER analyzer
analyzer for receiver
receiver 3 with 60 km fiber length.
Figure 8.
8. BER
BER analyzer for
for receiver 33 with
with 60
60 km
km fiber
fiber length.
length.
For longer
For longer distances,
longerdistances,
distances,an an optical
anoptical amplifier
opticalamplifier
amplifierwas was
was added,
added,
added,asas shown
shown
as shown in in Figure
Figure
in Figure 9.
9. A AA specification
9.specification
specificationof 20of 20
ofdB
20
dB
gaingain
and and
noisenoise figure
figure of 5 dBof 5
fordB
thefor the
amplifier amplifier
can be can be
applied applied
to the to the
WDM-RoF
dB gain and noise figure of 5 dB for the amplifier can be applied to the WDM‐RoF system. The WDM‐RoF
system. system.
The The
receiver
receiver
with 20 km
receiver with 20
20 km
fibre,
with the fibre,
km the
the BER
BER analyzer
fibre, BER analyzer
gave
analyzer gave
gave aa better‐quality
a better-quality signal
signal without
better‐quality without
without distortion
signaldistortion and noise,and
distortion noise,
as shown
and noise,
as shown in × 10of − 10
in
as Figure
shown10a.in Figure
For 6010a.
km For
fibre60 km
km fibre
60length, thelength, the
received received
signal had signal
a BER had aa BER
of 4.56 of 4.56 ×× 10
. The −10.. The
Q-factor Q
The of
−10
Figure 10a. For fibre length, the received signal had BER 4.56 10 Q
factor
the of the
received received
signal wassignal
6.30, was
as 6.30,
shown as
in shown
Figure in Figure
10b.
factor of the received signal was 6.30, as shown in Figure 10b. 10b.

9. WDM-RoF system
Figure 9.
Figure system with amplifier.
amplifier.
Figure 9. WDM‐RoF
WDM‐RoF system with
with amplifier.
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 10 of 12
Fibers 2019, 7, x 10 of 12

(a)

(b)

Figure 10. BER analyzer for receiver with 20

20km
km (a)
(a) and
and 60
60 km
km (b)
(b) fibre
fibre length.
length.

The performances
The performances of of the
the receiver
receiver for
for these
these fibre
fibre lengths
lengths can
can be
be demonstrated
demonstrated in in Table
Table 11 without
without
the amplifier
the amplifier and
and with
with the
the amplifier.
amplifier. From
From the table, it
the table, it can
can be
be seen
seen that
that the
the three
three parameters
parameters included
included
in this simulation, BER, Q-factor, and the eye diagram, has been improved and these results
in this simulation, BER, Q‐factor, and the eye diagram, has been improved and these results show show that
with the amplifier, the WDM- Rof can be used for long-haul transmission system.
that with the amplifier, the WDM‐ Rof can be used for long‐haul transmission system.

Table 1.
Table Comparison of
1. Comparison of the
the receiver
receiver performances
performances for
for different
different fibre
fibre lengths.
lengths. Amp:
Amp: amplifier.
amplifier.

Fibre
Fibre BER
BER Q-Factor
Q-Factor Eye Diagram
Eye Diagram
Length
length Without
Without WithAmp
With Amp Without
Without WithWith
Amp Amp Without Without WithWith Amp Amp
55km
km 1.1009 × 10
1.1009 × 10 −
−1010 4.37 × 10 −12
4.37 × 10−12 2.4347 × 10
2.4347 × 10−9−9 4.939 × 10−11 −111.918 × 10−8
4.939 × 10 1.918 × 10 − 4.56
8 × 10 −10 −10
4.56 × 10
20km
20 km 6.3046
6.3046 6.54
6.54 5.81
5.81 6.426.42 3.53 3.53 6.306.30
60km
60 km 0.00027
0.00027 0.0276
0.0276 0.000157
0.000157 0.0270.027 0.0000121 0.02745
0.0000121 0.02745

5. Conclusion
5. Conclusions
The RoF system essentially involves a transmission of analogue signals. It distributes RF signals
attenuation with
from CS to BS directly at radio carrier frequency. RoF offers low attenuation with broad
broad bandwidth.
bandwidth.
It has the advantage
advantage of an immunity system to the electromagnetic interference.
an immunity system to the electromagnetic interference. A roof system
employing WDM technique (WDM‐RoF)
(WDM-RoF) was was simulated
simulated using
usingOptiSystem
OptiSystemsimulation
simulationsoftware
softwareV.13.
V.13.
WDM can be considered the best method used in RoF. WDM allows transmission of multiple signals
through a single fibre over large area and can exploit the fibre network bandwidth. In addition, WDM
Fibers 2019, 7, 19 11 of 12

through a single fibre over large area and can exploit the fibre network bandwidth. In addition, WDM
allows the increase of optical fibre capacity compared to simple point to point linking, which only
allows a single wavelength to be carried.
For modulating optical sources, an electrical signal was used, with the modulated signal executed
through an optical fibre to the receiver side. By directly modulating the signal to the optical fibre,
the power consumption could be reduced, while the radio carrier frequency remained high on the
BS at antenna side. Moreover, power consumption could be reduced with a simple radio station.
The complex devices and equipment were preserved at the CS.
For the WDM-RoF system with different fibre lengths, the result showed that the BER was
1.10 × 10−10 , and the Q-factor was 6.30. The sample result of the eye diagram was 2.585 × 10−5 .
This system obtained a good result because the BER was less than 10−9 , and the Q-factor was more
than 6.
The utilisation of EDFA amplifier in this system creates a lot of advantages. It provides low noise
figures and has independent polarisation, the most important of which is the large dynamic range.
The amplifier has a quite large power transfer efficiency and comparatively flat gain. Accordingly,
it can be considered very suitable for use in long distance communication. The compensation of the
effects of attenuation and scattering losses with the use of EDFA is greatly explained, which leads to an
improvement in the performances of the WDM-RoF system, including the BER and Q-factors, and an
increase in the length of the link.

Author Contributions: A.H.A. designed the study, investigations and performed the data analysis. supervised
the program of study and provided specialist technical knowledge essential for the completion of this work. A.D.F.
provided direction and oversight of the developments needed for the implementation of the Optisystem execution
as well as arrangement of the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and contributed to producing the
final manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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