Flexi-grid optical network C-band capacity and spectral efficiency with various multi-carrier modulation schemes
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Adarsha Maskibail
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Ugra Mohan Roy
Abstract
This study presents a rigorous analysis of theoretical Bit Error Rate (BER) formulations for M-Ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (M-QAM) formats, substantiated through comprehensive simulation models. The investigation focuses on high-capacity flexi-grid optical networks employing coherent detection systems to achieve 1 Tbps data transmission using PM-16QAM, PM-32QAM, and PM-64QAM modulation formats. The simulation outcomes closely align with theoretical predictions across both back-to-back and 800 km transmission scenarios, demonstrating the validity of BER-based system assessment methodologies. The evaluation considers a four-subcarrier super-channel configuration for each modulation format. Corresponding C-band capacities of 24 Tbps, 32 Tbps, and 38.4 Tbps are achieved for PM-16QAM, PM-32QAM, and PM-64QAM, yielding spectral efficiencies of 5.0 b/s/Hz, 6.67 b/s/Hz, and 8.0 b/s/Hz, respectively. Forward Error Correction (FEC) BER thresholds of 3.7 × 10−2 are applied for PM-16QAM and PM-32QAM, and 5.6 × 10−2 for PM-64QAM, based on Soft-Decision FEC (SD-FEC) threshold. It is further demonstrated that PM-16QAM with 50 GHz channel spacing and PM-32QAM and PM-64QAM with 37.5 GHz spacing are capable of supporting terabit-scale flexi-grid transmission. The maximum achievable transmission distances are 1,600 km, 1,200 km, and 800 km for PM-16QAM, PM-32QAM, and PM-64QAM, respectively, under realistic system constraints.
Acknowledgments
I sincerely thank Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, for the resources and support that made this research possible. My deepest gratitude to my supervisors for their invaluable guidance. To my dad, mom, and sister – your unwavering love and support have been my greatest strength. A heartfelt thanks to my research friends for the discussions, laughs, and motivation. This work reflects the incredible people who stood by me – thank you!
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have taken full responsibility for the content of this submitted the manuscript and have given their approval for its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: No conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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