Performance analysis of subcarrier multiplexed optical access networks forCATV channel distribution

The performance of distribution networks based on the subcarrier multiplexi ng technique is affected by different effects, such as nonlinear distortion and noise. The principal causes limiting the performance are clipping and the combined effect of chirping of the laser source and fiber dispersion. T his is reflected by a decrease of the carrier-to-noise ratio for CATV analo g channels (AM-VSB), and by a detriment of the bit-error rate for the numer ical channels. This paper reports a performance evaluation model that allow s alla of the effects to be taken into account. An analysis of some relevan t cases is reported, showing the impact of both of the main effects. (C) 19 99 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.