A perspective on optical-wireless converged NG-FTTH networks using directly modulated lasers

OFDM-based next generation fiber to the home (NG-FTTH) networks using directly modulated lasers (DMLs) have been proposed as a solution to deliver quintuple play services addressing cost-effective optical-wireless convergence. In this article, we highlight the principles and discuss the main technical challenges of the optical infrastructure of these networks. A first experimental assessment of transmission of coexisting baseband and ultra-wideband signals along distances typical of NG-FTTH networks using DMLs is presented.