Development of discrete Fourier transform-based channel estimation algorithms for a coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission system

In this study, the authors presented discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based channel estimation algorithms for a coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM) transmission system. Influence of the proposed algorithms to the performance and computational complexity of the CO-OFDM system was analysed and compared with other published algorithms. Their simulation results demonstrated that the improved DFT-based channel estimation algorithms are significantly efficient in our experimental conditions. Those algorithms can be considered as efficiently compromised systems in balance out the outcome of performance and the requirement on computational complexity. Such relatively economic and practical approaches have provided an optimistic prospect in studies of transmission systems for future optical communications.