Photonic antenna for wireless local area network backhaul application

Abstract

The surge demand for broadband services and high speed internet connection has pushed the development and deployment of wireless local area network (WLAN) applications such as providing coverage to in-campus or inter-building. WLAN application is definitely a cheaper option compare to fiber optic and yet provides good coverage as a last mile or backhaul network connection. However, due to the complexity and expensive setup of electronic equipment and switches, it potentially will hinder the customers from using this technology. The present of photonic antenna which integrates antenna into optoelectronic device provide an economically viable solution as the device is small, light weight and easy to install at customer sites without any issue. Basically, photonic antenna is capable to work as bridging for Radio Access Units and wireless connection to customer sites. This project will explore different antenna design, particularly on microstrip antenna which provides directive and good gain to transmit radio frequency wirelessly for distance up to average of 10km in a Radio over Fiber (RoF) system. Four patches and 4x2 array patches Microstrip antennas are designed to meet high gain and directive for point to point application. From the result of simulation, 4x2 array Microstrip antenna is capable to achieve ~9.63dB gain with low side lobes and good power efficiency to extend the wireless distance in RoF system.