SELF-AMPLIFIED TRANSCEIVERS FOR LOCAL-ACCESS STAR NETWORKS

We describe a cost-effective approach to fiber-amplified networks base d on dual use of lasers and other components for both signal and pump functions. The concept is demonstrated in a broadband, passive star ne twork suitable for local access applications, using bidirectional tran smission on a single fiber, Sensitivity improvement of 8.2 dB is achie ved in the downlinks operating at 1.55-mu m wavelength, while uplinks at 1.48 mu m provide both pump and data, A model for receiver sensitiv ity incorporating the effects of spontaneous emission noise is used to explain the effect of optical filtering and to assess the potential f or further improvement.