AWGR-based fiber-wireless converged networks: scalable resource management and THz-range agility for broadband access

Next-generation communication networks require the integration of traditional and high-frequency bands to support diverse applications, positioning the optical heterodyne approach as a promising candidate for remote radio head (RRH) signal generation. However, deploying point-to-point (PtP) analog links based on such an optical heterodyne approach for the radio access networks (RAN) is challenging. Particularly, widespread deployment is expected to be hindered by practical communication resource constraints. In this context, we propose an arrayed waveguide grating router (AWGR)-based RAN architecture incorporating optical heterodyne signal generation, enabling adaptive frequency adjustment and scalable resource management. We detail the architecture and establish its generalizability through mathematical derivation. For a representative 64×64 AWGR-based system, the proposed architecture could reduce the required number of local oscillator (LO) lasers to 1/8 of conventional approaches, with potential for further reduction via scheduling. Experimental validation at both 28 GHz (mmWave) and 286 GHz (THz) bands demonstrates physical feasibility, achieving bit-error rates (BER) of 3.06×10^-5 and 1.53×10^-4, respectively. This AWGR-based architecture offers a practical path towards resource-efficient, high-agility fiber-wireless converged access.