Performance enhancement of WDM-based RoF systems using EDFA amplifiers

Abstract Passive optical networks (PON) have transformed network access by offering cost-effective deployment, high-speed connectivity, scalability, and low power consumption. Integrating optical and wireless networks further enhances mobility and capacity while reducing operational costs. Radio over fiber (RoF) systems efficiently connect base stations to a central station via optical fibers but suffer from issues like high bit error rates (BER) and low Q-factor values. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) addresses these challenges by transmitting multiple signals over a single-mode fiber. This study simulates WDM-RoF performance under varying fiber lengths and channel spacings using OptiSystem, analyzing BER, Q-factor, and eye diagrams. To combat attenuation, semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) are evaluated in a fixed ring topology. Results identify optimal configurations for improved signal efficiency and long-distance transmission, visualized using MATLAB.