Performance analysis of baseband carrier-sense circuit in optical CSMA networks

In future shared medium optical packet networks, collision-free transmission may be achieved by detecting the presence or absence of optical packets on specific channels. Using a baseband carrier-sense circuit (BCSC), the direct detection of baseband optical signals can be employed to provide the carrier-sense capability required to avoid collisions in optical carrier-sense multiple access (CSMA) networks. In this work, we present a new theoretical model to analyze the performance of a BCSC in the presence of additive post-detection electrical noise. We validate the model using experiments and simulations. Our model provides a useful approach to BCSC design in future optical CSMA packet-switched networks.