An optical FDM local area network based on a passive bypassed star coupler

In this paper we present a fully engineered experimental OFDM-communication system for broadband LAN applications. The transceivers in the subscriber stations are connected by only one fiber to a passive "internally bypassed star coupler". The internally bypassed star coupler allows bidirectional coherent communication at the same frequency between the subscribers. For system oriented investigations, four subscriber stations have been built. The network is designed for 72 subscribers and realized for 16 input/output-ports. The optical transmitters are absolute frequency stabilized with 9 GHz channel spacing. Signaling and control-information for the transceivers is transmitted via an overlay network.