MIMO‐OFDM‐radio over fiber system incorporating higher‐order space‐time block codes

Abstract

AbstractRadio over fiber (RoF) is an indispensable technology for the amalgamation of microwave‐ and optical communication, which facilitates a flexible access‐network infrastructure proficient to endow with broadband wireless connectivity over an extensive assortment of applications. Achieving ample spectral efficiency in conjunction with excellent link reliability is the austere menace to the design of such prospect‐integrated systems. Moreover, amalgamation of multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) technology with multicarrier multiplexing (MCM) such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a proficient contender for supporting such next‐generation RoF‐based static‐ and mobile‐wireless systems. Earlier, the MIMO‐based multicarrier RoF systems are limited to the use of fourth‐order spatial diversity (2 × 2 antenna package) using the Alamouti code. Subsequently, the authors investigated the aptness and impetus of such integrated multicarrier RoF systems to provide a reliable and spectrally efficient system and proposed an orthogonal space‐time block code (OSTBC) equipped MIMO‐OFDM‐RoF system by incorporating higher order spatial diversity in conjunction with QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) schemes. The proposed work is carried out for NLOS (non‐line of sight) and LOS (line of sight) scenarios. Furthermore, the demonstrated work elucidates a relative QoS (Quality of Service) explorations of sixth (3 × 2 antenna package) and ninth order spatial diversity (3 × 3 antenna package) and recommend the optimal antenna package as per the requirements of the proposed integrated system in the demonstrated scenarios.