Novel signal multiplexing methods for integration of services in in-building broadband multimode fibre networks

Many different services with widely ranging signal characteristics are to be supported in in-building networks: fast data transport (e.g. Gbit Ethernet), video, high-Q audio, and control signals. These services may use wired or wireless connection to the end user. In order to support them in parallel at low cost, cost-effective methods for multiplexing signals independently on a multimode optical fibre inbuilding network have to be devised. In particular multimode polymer optical fibre is attractive for easy installation. This paper reports recent results in exploring novel multiplexing methods applicable on multimode fibre: mode group diversity multiplexing, adaptive subcarrier multiplexing using higherorder fibre passbands in combination with multilevel coding, and optical frequency multiplying for transporting microwave signals for e.g. broadband wireless local area networks and personal area networks. The applications in broadband multiservice scalable in-building networks are highlighted