This paper presents the performance analysis of a 100 Gbps long-reach passive optical network (LR-PON) based on intensity modulation and direct detection (IM-DD). The LR-PON is designed for low-complexity environments that reuse previously deployed infrastructure and extend coverage to rural areas. It features a point-to-multipoint PON topology with a 1:64 split and links up to 100 km long. The paper analyzes the impact of the booster amplifier, preamplifier, and chromatic-dispersion-compensating module on the bit error rate (BER) using OptSim simulations. The results demonstrate that the LR-PON, operating at 100 Gbps over a 100 km link and with losses over 3 dB over a legacy network, maintains acceptable BER levels in the order of 10−6, validating its viability as a scalable, efficient, and economical solution for optical access networks in suburban or rural areas in locations such as Quito city (Ecuador).
Tatayo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.