Performance analysis of an OFDM transmission system with directly modulated lasers for wireless backhauling

We investigate the performance of a fiber-based OFDM transmission system for wireless backhauling with a target data rate of 2.5...10 Gbit/s using directly modulated lasers. Newly developed semiconductor DFB lasers in index and complex coupled curved stripe technology as well as lasers with ridge waveguide resonators were experimentally characterized and found to be suitable for direct modulation at the required data rates. Based on measured data, we implemented a numerical laser model and studied by simulation the limits and the optimum operating conditions of an optical OFDM network for wireless backhauling.