Optical Network and Access Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

Owing to the gradual development of various broadband multiservices, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, IP-based traffic, 4K/8K video, online gaming and social networking, the use of broad bandwidths has also increased in access networks. Hence, to meet the broadband requirements of the end-user, time–division multiplexing (TDM), wavelength–division multiplexing (WDM) and time–wavelength–division multiplexing (TWDM) passive optical network (PON) access techniques have been investigated and deployed worldwide. The development trend of PON networks has been proposed and investigated from 2.5 to 100 Gbit/s for baseband downstream. However, some locations are not suitable for building fiber connections due to the restrictions of their special geographical environments. Therefore, to compensate for this issue, free space optical (FSO) communication technology would be an alternative selection to replace fiber access networks. FSO technology also has several benefits, such as high speed and broad capacity, no need for a license, no electromagnetic interference (EMI), and signal confidentiality. Additionally, FSO capacity integrated in the PON network is also distributed from 1 to 40 Gbit/s. Furthermore, FSO transmission can also be take place in adverse conditions such as atmospheric turbulence, fog, and rain. To resolve this concern, radio frequency (RF) and FSO communication can be combined for wireless transmission. Further, using millimeter waves (MMW) of 24 to 100 GHz for the 5G/B5G mobile network has turned into a major wireless access technique in recent years. In wireless connections, thick fog and heavy rain have the greatest impact on FSO and MMW signals, respectively. As a result, integration of baseband, FSO, and MMW signals in the presented PON access architecture would be the expected trend of development.

This Special Issue aims at presenting original state-of-the-art research articles dealing with optical networks and access technologies. Specifically, papers are solicited dealing with optical access technology coupled to various kinds of optical access network scenarios, future PON developments, energy-efficient long-reach optical access, MMW–photonics communication, optical FSO and VLC communications, optical Li-Fi networks, advanced modulation formats for short/long reach applications, Si-photonics components for access applications, reliable and flexible optical network architecture, radio over fiber (ROF) technology, integrations of fiber, MMW and FSO transmission systems, and optical hybrid wired and wireless systems, etc. Researchers are invited to submit their contributions to this Special Issue on, but not limited to, the topics listed above.

Prof. Dr. Shien-Kuei Liaw
Prof. Dr. Chien-Hung Yeh
Guest Editors

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