Demonstration of 256 QAM 10 Gbps Signal Transmission over 570 km Fiber-based NG Radio over Fiber System

Abstract The rapid development of the Fifth Generation (5G) networks encourages researchers to improve the Radio over Fiber (RoF) technique to achieve data rates of 10 Gbps and beyond. That led to a significant increase in bandwidth and range while reducing latency and cost. This paper evaluates an Analog Radio over Fiber (ARoF) technique compatible with Next-Generation (NG) long-haul communication systems, aiming for simplicity and lower cost. Transmitting a 28 GHz, 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) signal through Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) is possible by modulating it through two parallel Mach-Zehnder Modulators (MZM), allowing signal reception over long distances. The Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) appraises performance of the system. The simulation results indicate that the prototype can transfer data at 10 Gbps through the optical link up to 570 km with an EVM of 3.375% and received optical power of 4.015 dBm. The proposed system supports a high bit rate and maintains the EVM within 3GPP limits, making it superior to peer publications and highly appropriate for NG long-haul communication systems.