Optimized discrete multitone communication over polymer optical fiber

In this paper, we propose an overall optimization of discrete multitone (DMT) transmissions over polymer optical fiber (POF). The optimization is carried out from both a theoretical and experimental approach. At first, the parameters of the POF channel characteristics, resonant cavity light emitting diode (RC-LED) dynamic nonlinearity performance and analog-to-digital converter effective number of bits (ENOB), in our digital storage oscilloscope are measured. From the measured results, we investigate the channel capacity of a 50 m step-index POF system. Then the optimal DMT bandwidth is theoretically derived. We also optimize the system with different experimental setups. The optimal cyclic prefix length and RC-LED optimal working current are given. The ENOB can be improved by oversampling and averaging. The optimal oversampling factor is discussed. Furthermore, a joint DMT clipping and subcarrier number optimization is synthetically investigated. Based on the proposed approaches, an optimized DMT gigabit transmission over a real 50 m POF channel employing low-cost components is presented. Finally, a methodology for the practical design of the DMT transmission over POF is concluded.