Accurate estimation of the error probability in the presence of in-band crosstalk noise in WDM networks

In-band crosstalk noise can pose important limitations in wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) optical networks. This paper describes a model that takes into account the statistical behavior of in-band crosstalk noise accurately and that can be used to estimate the error probability (EP) in a WDM receiver. It is based on the formulation of the moment-generating function of the decision variable in terms of a double integral, which allows the inclusion of the crosstalk-crosstalk noise, which was previously neglected in the literature. The optical amplifier noise and the electrical receiver noise are also incorporated, and the model is used to assess the implications of the crosstalk-crosstalk contribution. With the aid of some examples, it is shown that the crosstalk-crosstalk noise can influence the value of the EP, change the optimum receiver threshold, and introduce some power penalty.