Optimization of Reflective FDMA-PON Architecture to Achieve 32 Gb/s Per Upstream Wavelength Over 31 dB ODN Loss

In the framework of the EU-funded research project “FABULOUS,” we experimentally demonstrate an innovative FDMA-PON architecture whose upstream transmission is based on a reflective Mach-Zehnder modulator. By a careful optimization of electrical spectrum allocation, semiconductor optical amplifier biasing point, and modulation index, we upgrade previous results over similar architectures, significantly increasing the achievable optical distribution network loss. We demonstrate an overall upstream capacity of 32 Gb/s per wavelength over 37 km of installed fiber and 31 dB loss.