Starting from a previously proposed frequency-domain Volterra series nonlinear equalizer (VSNE), whose complexity evolves as O(N³), with N being the frequency-domain block length, we derive a symmetric VSNE filter array formulation for polarization-multiplexed (PM) signals, whose full VSNE equivalent is up to 3 × more computationally efficient, with zero performance penalty. By gradually reconstructing the third-order kernel from its column/diagonal components, the full VSNE can be reduced to a restrict set of Nk frequency-domain filters, leading to O(N_k N²) complexity, associated with negligible performance loss. Finally, a simplified VSNE approach with invariant Kernel coefficients is proposed, delivering O(N_k N) complexity at the expense of controlled performance penalty. The proposed array of symmetric VSNE filters significantly increases the scalability of the previous matrix-based VSNE, providing a more flexible balance between performance and complexity, which can be freely adjusted to match the available computational resources. Performing a direct comparison between the simplified VSNE and the widely used split-step Fourier method in a long-haul 224 Gb/s PM-16QAM transmission system, we demonstrate a reduction of over 60% in terms of computational effort and 90% in terms of equalization latency.

We address the issue of intra-channel nonlinear compensation using a Volterra series nonlinear equalizer based on an analytical closed-form solution for the 3rd order Volterra kernel in frequency-domain. The performance of the method is investigated through numerical simulations for a single-channel optical system using a 20 Gbaud NRZ-QPSK test signal propagated over 1600 km of both standard single-mode fiber and non-zero dispersion shifted fiber. We carry on performance and computational effort comparisons with the well-known backward propagation split-step Fourier (BP-SSF) method. The alias-free frequency-domain implementation of the Volterra series nonlinear equalizer makes it an attractive approach to work at low sampling rates, enabling to surpass the maximum performance of BP-SSF at 2× oversampling. Linear and nonlinear equalization can be treated independently, providing more flexibility to the equalization subsystem. The parallel structure of the algorithm is also a key advantage in terms of real-time implementation.

We address the problem of generating physical realistic optical transport network topologies. This type of network has characteristics that differ from scale-free networks, such as the Internet. Based on the analysis of a set of real transport topologies, we identify and assess relevant characteristics. A method to generate realistic topologies is proposed. The proposed method is validated by comparing the characteristics of computer-generated and real-world optical transport networks.

We propose a noniterative digital backward propagation technique, based on an inverse modified Volterra series transfer function to postcompensate transmission linear and nonlinear impairments in the presence of optical noise. Using a single-channel 40-Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero quadrature phase-shift-keying optical signal propagated over 20 × 80 km of standard single-mode fiber, and performing digital postcompensation around the Nyquist rate, our compensation algorithm is able to surpass the maximum accuracy obtained with a symmetric split-step Fourier method, enabling us to increase the nonlinear tolerance by approximately 2 dB.

There has been a growing interconnection across the world owing to various multimedia applications and services. Fixed wireless access (FWA) is an attractive wireless solution for delivering multimedia services to different homes. With the fifth-generation (5G) and beyond mobile networks, the FWA performance can be enhanced significantly. However, their implementation will present different challenges on the transport network due to the incessant increase in the number of required cell-sites and the subsequent increase in the per-site requirements. This paper presents a comprehensive tutorial on the enabling technologies, design considerations, requirements, and prospects of broadband schemes. Furthermore, the related technical challenges of FWA are reviewed, and we proffer potential solutions to address them. Besides, we review various transport network options that can be employed for FWA deployment. In this regard, we offer an in-depth discussion on their related requirements for different use cases. Moreover, we give an insight into the 3GPP RAN functional split implementations and implications on the 5G FWA transport network solutions. The concepts of virtualized RANs for attending flexibly to the dynamic nature of different use cases are also presented.

We propose a novel polarization demultiplexing technique for complex modulated signals using the Stokes space polarization representation of the signal samples. Polarization demultiplexing of an endless time-varying SOP signal is achieved through the adaptive estimation of the inverse rotation matrix, without the calculation of a best fitting plane. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed technique, with a high convergence speed, and a good response to time-varying SOP rotations. The performance of the method is assessed through EVM calculations for frequency rotations up to 15 μrad/symbol, showing a maximum penalty of 1 dB. Moreover, the technique can incorporate an additional stage for PDL compensation without penalties in terms of EVM results and algorithm complexity.