Performance evaluation of zero cross correlation code (ZCC code) based passive optical network

Abstract In this paper, a zero cross-correlation code (ZCC)–based optical code division multiple access passive optical network (OCDMA-PON) is presented. The proposed ZCC assigns a unique and non-overlapping set of wavelengths to each optical network unit (ONU), ensuring zero cross-correlation among users. Unlike conventional codes such as multi-diagonal (MD) or modified quadratic congruence (MQC), the proposed ZCC offers a simpler recursive construction, flexible scalability, and complete elimination of multiple access interference. An eight-user ZCC-based PON system is designed and its performance is evaluated in terms of bit error rate (BER) and Q-factor. Simulation results show that the proposed system achieves a BER below 10 −15 and a Q-factor of approximately 9 dB at a transmission distance of 10 km, demonstrating improved interference suppression and reliable performance compared to previously reported OCDMA schemes. These results confirm the suitability of ZCC for secure and efficient next-generation optical access networks.