Broadband wireless systems and networks: an enabling role for radio–over–fibre

There has been a remarkable take up of wireless and mobile communications in recent years, such that in a number of countries the number of mobile phones now exceeds the number of fixed network connections. Alongside this, we are seeing dramatic growth in data on the network compared with voice: the so–called ‘data wave’. While much mobile network traffic is currently voice there is increasing use of the available data facilities with these now being enhanced (e.g. via evolution of the global system for mobile communications and subsequently the introduction of ‘third–generation’ systems such as the universal mobile telecommunications system). Accordingly, there is considerable interest and activity in the research community concerning possible technologies exploiting yet higher frequencies where truly broadband future wireless networks may be realized. This paper will review some of the technology options currently available or under examination for millimetre-wave broadband wireless networks and will go on to consider in some detail a specific example of ‘fixed-wireless’ technology synergies exploiting radio-over-fibre techniques to achieve flexible, reconfigurable broadband wireless networks.