Performance improvement and cost reduction techniques for radio over fiber communications

Advanced cost reduction and performance improvement techniques conceived for Radio Over Fiber (ROF) communications are considered. ROF techniques are expected to form the backbone of the future 5G generation of wireless networks. The achievable link performance and the associated deployement cost constitute the most salient metrics of a ROF architecture. In this paper, we commence by providing a rudimentary overview of the ROF architecture and then elaborate on ROF techniques designed for improving the attainable system performance. We conclude by describing the ROF techniques conceived for reducing the ROF system installation costs