Simultaneous generation of wavelength division multiplexing PON and RoF signals using a hybrid mode-locked laser

•Novel cost-efficient PON architecture based on a hybrid mode locked laser.•Transmission of 5×10-Gbps PON and 5×5-Gbps RoF using OFDM up to 50 km.•System architecture is compatible with the 50-GHz ITU frequency grid.•We analyze the operation considering relative intensity noise and nonlinearities.

The use of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies has been proposed to overcome the imminent saturation of the ultra high frequency band, justifying research on radio over fiber (RoF) networks as an inexpensive and green solution to distribute multi-Gbps signals. Coincidently, telecommunication operators are investing a significant effort to deploy their passive optical network (PON) infrastructure closer to the users. In this work, we present a novel cost-efficient architecture based on a hybrid mode locked laser capable to simultaneously generate up-to 5 wavelength division multiplexing PON and RoF channels, being compatible with the 50-GHz ITU frequency grid. We analyze the limits of operation of our proposed architecture considering the high modal relative intensity noise induced by mode partition noise, as well as fiber impairments, such as chromatic dispersion and nonlinearities. The feasibility of generation and transmission of 5×10-Gbps PON and 5×5-Gbps RoF using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing up to 50 km has been demonstrated through realistic numerical simulations.