100 Gb/s optical access based on optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing

The ever-increasing bandwidth demand in access systems is catalyzing research and development activity in future ultra high-speed 100 Gb/s passive optical networks. In this article we discuss the principles, key advantages, and most recent demonstrations of a record 100 Gb/s OFDM-based PON as a future PON candidate architecture. Moreover, we provide an analysis of primary cost factors in a practical DSP-based OFDMA-PON implementation and survey the most recent achievements in this domain. Due to the combination of highly attractive advanced features and favorable related trends in longhaul 100 Gb/s fiber transmission, OFDMA-PON can be regarded as a very promising solution for future PON-based access.