Evolution of radio-over-fiber technology

© 1983-2012 IEEE. Radio-over-fiber technology provides a simpler pathway for the distribution of wireless signals in broadband wireless networks via optical means. The technology has evolved over the last 30 years, with many challenges already overcome and with many more to address. This paper provides an overview of the technology evolutionary path of RoF with a review of its past, evaluation of its present, and a discussion of its challenges into the future.