Photonics-based full duplex millimeter-wave fronthaul links for future mobile communications

This paper presents the viability of two different approaches based on external modulation for millimeter wave (mmW) signal generation that are demonstrated over two full duplex photonic fronthaul schemes. Both intensity and phase modulation are demonstrated as effective techniques for mmW signal generation and also, in both cases, local oscillator remote delivering is provided, whereas a centralized scheme provides an optical carrier for uplink which is delivered from the central station. Wireless transmission is performed through both radio and free-space optics links. Experimental transmission results with QPSK and 64-QAM test model signals show both solutions as promising for the future mobile communication networks.