A cordless access system using radio-over-fibre techniques

A cordless access communication system is described. It uses subcarrier multiplexing to provide a radio-over-fibre feed to a radio distribution point. The key design aspects of the optical and radio system are discussed, and it is shown that this technology can provide a high-quality communications link with a dynamic range of over 50 dB. Such a system has been developed using second-generation cordless telephone technology and, by including an RF switch, handover from one distribution point to another has been demonstrated. By using radio-over-fibre, the hardware required at the distribution point is considerably reduced, and it thereby becomes feasible to mount it in a small unit positioned on a pole. The radio-over-fibre solution also allows the synchronization of the cordless systems to be centralized and provides the basis for making better use of the cordless fixed parts by effective use of trunking and concentration