Wavelength division multiplexing and transmission of analog signals over fiber

Abstract

We present results from the multiplexing and transmission of amplitude modulated, frequency modulated, and video analog signals over fiber. The optical carrier's wavelengths for these signals were centered in the 1545-1560nm telecommunication wavelength regimes. A direct modulation format was used for the AM signals whereas external modulation formats were used for the FM and video signals. Standard telecommunication WDM components were used for multiplexing and demultiplexing of the signals. The study presents a comparison of the original electrical signal and the transmitted signals. In particular we indicated intermodulation effects, and signal-to-noise ratio as a function of wavelength separation of the optical carriers and transmission distance respectively. The practical application of this research will help stimulate the growing trend to add fiber optic cable to the Mile. The Last Mile, a reference to the connection between the residential customer and the Central Office is currently dominated by three independent technologies Copper Wire, Wireless and Coaxial cable. These methods of transmitting Analog signals dictate the speed and the amount of information that can be delivered to the residential customer. The preferred transmission media used to connect computers, the primary source of digital signals, either locally or over long distances is through Fiber Optic Cable. If Fiber Optic Cable could replace the existing last mile, this would elevate the present bandwidth issues. The addition of yet another cable into the home for a single application is prohibitively expensive. Therefore the need to combine all existing signals both digital and analog into any additional transmission media on the Last Mile is essential.