Bidirectional carrier aggregation in next-generation radio-over-fiber heterogeneous network based on FBMC

Abstract

We have projected and verified a bidirectional intra-/inter-radio-access-technology carrier-aggregation method for a next-generation heterogeneous mobile network supported by filter bank multicarrier (FBMC). Successful transmission of intra/inter-band carrier aggregation between five broadband FBMC signals and three bands 4G long-term-evolution-advanced signal over 50 km single-mode fiber plus 10 m free-space is successfully broadcasted by employing an incoherent light-injection scheme in downlink. In uplink, two intra-bands carrier-aggregated wireless local area network Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11g signal is carried over the equal distance. High receiver sensitivity, low error vector magnitude, and clear constellation diagrams show successful delivery of different wireless services for different consumers. Therefore, the proposed hybrid system should become a potential solution for a future mobile front-haul network because of its low latency and high capacity.