Resilient Fiber–Wireless Networks Featuring Scalability and Low Latency: Integrating a wheel-and-star architecture with wireless protection

Future metro-access optical networks will be large-capacity, low-latency, high-reliability, large-scale, cost-efficient platforms that support fiber–wireless convergence. However, previously proposed schemes cannot meet the requirements of such a networking scenario. In this paper, we propose a scalable wheel-and-star architecture based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology and design a protection mechanism based on integrated lightpath protection and wireless protection methods that is optimized to improve the delay performance. In addition, a wavelength allocation scheme based on the wavelength routing properties of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and the spectral structure of optical carrier suppression (OCS) modulation is designed to improve spectrum utilization and eliminate Rayleigh backscattering (RB) noise and latency asymmetry from signal transmission. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed scheme and its advantages over existing works are verified through simulation. The future research prospects and practical application value of this method for mobile optical transport, long-reach access, and smooth network upgrades are discussed in detail.