ABSTRACT
Communication Networks .................................................................. 158 5.3 Integration of Radio and Optical Networks....................................... 160
5.3.1 Hybrid Fiber Radio Architectures .......................................... 161 5.4 Technologies for Distributing Radio Signals over Fiber................... 164
5.4.1 Signal Transport Schemes ...................................................... 164 5.4.2 Optimizing System Performance............................................ 168
5.5 Integration of HFR Systems with WDM Networks .......................... 174 5.6 Base Station Technologies in HFR Systems...................................... 176 5.7 Concluding Remarks .......................................................................... 181 Acknowledgments ....................................................................................... 181 References.................................................................................................... 182
Radio networks provide users the attractive feature of untethered connectivity
for a range of applications including cellular communications, wireless local
area data networks, and broadband fixed wireless access. The application of
optical fiber in these networks for the transport and distribution of radio
signals brings a number of benefits, including high-performance remoting
links and reduced infrastructure costs. In this chapter, we present an overview
of hybrid fiber radio systems with a focus on the basic enabling technologies
and concepts for such systems, including signal transport schemes and net-
work architectures. We also discuss the technical challenges and potential
solutions associated with implementing hybrid fiber radio systems operating
at higher frequencies and review the current prospects for their practical
realization.