Simulation framework for POF-based communication systems

Plastic Optical Fibers (POFs) are in a good position to become the preferred media for cost-effective short-haul communications such as domestic and transport networks. However, the ever-increasing user demands drive POF systems to be operated close to their capacity. Therefore, the common practice to simulate the whole system in order to estimate its performance prior to its physical deployment is of paramount importance in POF-based communication links. In this work, we will present a system-level simulation framework able to evaluate the performance of POF systems with different layouts built with several passive and active components, including optical sources, detectors, fibers and connectors. Given the high multimodality of plastic optical fibers, the optical building blocks in the simulation framework are based on mathematical models that take into account both the temporal (frequency) and the spatial dimensions. We will show the possibility to assess not only basic IM/DD transmission, but also more advanced transmission techniques that can overcome the bandwidth limitations of POF, confirming how powerful the simulation framework is.