Simplified coherent optical network units for very-high-speed passive optical networks

Future passive optical networks (PONs) for ${200}\;{\rm Gb/s/}\lambda$, and beyond, pose a significant technological challenge. The use of coherent technology in access networks provides a great solution based on concepts from mature technologies to achieve the speeds needed for very-high-speed PON (VHSP). In this paper, we provide an overview of the currently demonstrated technologies and propose a possible simplified optical network unit (ONU) for time division multiplex PON (TDM-PON). The proposed ONU uses a single polarization heterodyne receiver, using either a balanced photodiode or a single-ended one and an electro-absorption modulated laser (EML)-based transmitter. The experimental demonstration using the proposed ONU in a bidirectional, symmetrical transmission over fiber distances of 20 km and 40 km shows the viability of the technology. The downstream direction achieves a power budget of 34.3/29.3 dB for 20 km and 33.9/29 dB for 40 km, for a balanced/single-ended receiver, whereas the upstream transmission achieves 29.3 dB for both scenarios.