An Overview: Radio-Over-Fiber Network Technology

The main approaches for the future broadband, in both mobile and fixed cellular networks are to accommodate more users by reducing cell size and also to operate in mili-meter wave frequency bands. A key to success in the market is by developing a cost-effective Base Station. Therefore for this requirement, Radio-over-fiber technology is a promising solution. RoF modulates the mm wave over an optical carrier for distribution in a fiber network. Due to the following characteristics, fibers are very attractive for RoF systems: immune to EMI, very high bandwidth, light weight, low loss as well as cost, small cross section, and high flexibility.