Short Courses

The use of fiber-optic links for transporting radio signals in wireless networks is a well-established technology and the convergence of optical and wireless networks continues to evolve.  Fiber-optic remoting of radio signals is used in a diversity of wireless networks, including indoor/in-building distributed antenna systems and outdoor cellular networks.  The benefits of creating end-to-end integrated network solutions that can provide reliable service for both fixed and mobile users, have become well documented. 

Today the capabilities of wireless networks are progressing more rapidly than ever.  The proliferation of connected high-capacity smart devices as well as the increase in the number of broadband multi-media services available to the consumer, has led to an escalating demand for wireless access to high-speed data communications.  The next generation 5G/6G network promises to deliver unprecedented data rates to the mobile user and the millimeter-wave frequency region is being actively pursued for the provision of these services.  The realization of integrated optical/wireless networks that can reliably and cost-effectively support current and future capacity demands, traffic growth rates, new services, as well as multiple wireless standards, is presenting new challenges and opportunities for emerging radio-over-fiber technologies. 

The objective of this course is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of technologies that enable the fiber-optic distribution of analog and digital radio signals and the variety of systems in which such links are being implemented.  These applications include indoor distributed antenna systems, 5G networks, as well as emerging high frequency wireless networks capable of providing users with very high bandwidth services. 

This course should enable you to:

• Understand the different approaches for transporting radio signals over optical fiber.
• Understand the technical challenges associated with realizing analog radio-over-fiber links.
• Understand the trade-offs with alternative radio-over-fiber system architectures.
• Understand the differences between digital and analog radio-over-fiber technologies and the systems in which they are being applied.
• Learn the implementation opportunities for radio-over-fiber technologies in emerging wireless network standards such as 5G.

This is an advanced beginner course for people working in either the optical or wireless telecommunication fields who wish to broaden their knowledge and learn how radio-over-fiber technologies are playing a role in the realization of emerging integrated optical/wireless networks.  

Dalma Novak is VP of Engineering at Octane Wireless, a high technology company located in MD developing advanced RF-over-fiber and antenna products.  She is a Fellow of the IEEE and has over 30 years of experience working in the fields of optical and wireless telecommunications.   She has published more than 300 papers in these technical areas, including seven book chapters.  Previously she held positions at The University of Melbourne, Dorsal Networks, and Corvis Corporation.  Dr. Novak received her PhD in Electrical Engineering in 1992.  She is a member of the OFC Steering Committee, an Associate Editor for the Journal of Lightwave Technology and Director of IEEE Division X.