mmWave-over-Fiber Distributed Antenna Systems for Reliable multi-GbpsWireless Communication

Abstract

Recent technological advancements in the field of antenna design and microwave photonics have paved the way for broadband and efficient mmWave-over-fiber distributed an-tenna systems. In this work, we discuss the practical realization and measurement setup of a mmWave-over-fiber link and tackle the unfavorable propagation conditions that arise at mmWave frequencies. First, we demonstrate a 24 Gbps fiber-wireless link through the use of highly efficient and robust air-filled substrate-integrated-waveguide antennas and a custom co-designed photoreceiver with low-noise amplifier. Next, we deploy multiple antennas at the user equipment and analyze various combining methods to mitigate the self-blocking problem arising at these frequencies. To demonstrate its potential in harsh real-life environments, a mmWave-over-fiber distributed antenna system is set up in an environment resembling an Industry 4.0 workplace. We showcase how this system solves self-blocking and other problems that arise when the line-of-sight path is blocked. Moreover, by leveraging two tightly-synchronized remote antenna units distributed MIMO techniques double the channel capacity to 48 Gbps.