SC217 Hybrid Fiber Radio: The Application of Photonic Links in Wireless Communications

Sunday, March 21, 2010
4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Dalma Novak; Pharad, USA
Level: Advanced Beginner (basic understanding of topic is necessary to follow course material)


Course Description

The use of optical fiber links for the transport and distribution of radio signals in wireless networks is increasingly moving from a research topic to real application. Wireless systems where such hybrid technology is now being used include cellular networks including microcell and picocell networks; indoor distributed antenna systems; wireless LANs (local area networks); as well as fixed and mobile broadband and ultrabroadband networks capable of providing users with very high bandwidth services.

This Short Course presents an overview of how and where photonic links are finding application in wireless communication networks. The associated technologies, devices, sub-systems and system architectures that enable the implementation of integrated wireless and wired (optical) networks will be discussed. The various technical challenges that must be addressed for the successful integration of such networks which encompass very different requirements and specifications will also be presented. Topics to be covered include:

  • Requirements and challenges for the development of hybrid fiber radio systems.
  • Relevant technologies and implementation approaches.
  • Integrated optical/wireless network architectures.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

This course should enable you to:

  • Understand the motivation for the integration of wireless communication systems with wired (optical fiber) networks.
  • Identify the technical challenges related to the application of photonics and optical networking concepts to wireless communications.
  • Understand and compare physical layer technologies that enable the integration of wireless and optical networks.
  • Understand and compare physical layer technologies that enable the integration of wireless and optical networks.
  • Design architectures and subsystems for fiber-wireless networks.

Intended Audience

This is an introductory to intermediate course for people working in telecommunication-related areas who wish to broaden their knowledge and learn how optical networks are being integrated with wireless communications or find out the current status of this multidisciplinary field.


Biography

Dalma Novak is vice president at Pharad, LLC, which is developing advanced RF-over-fiber and antenna products. She received her Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1992. From 1992 to 2004 she was a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Melbourne, Australia. Previously Dr. Novak held positions at Dorsal Networks and Corvis Corp. Dr. Novak is a Fellow of the IEEE and has published over 250 papers in the area of hybrid fiber radio technologies.