Remote delivery of video services using mm-waves and optics

Advantages of a radio-based final drop for video delivery are outlined and spectral availability constraints that lead to the identification of the mm-wave region of the radio spectrum as the most appropriate for this application are discussed. The possibility of simultaneously supporting other broadband services, such as B-ISDN and traffic information systems (IVHS), enhance the attractiveness of a radio link. A large number of antenna units need to be served due to the limited propagation distances achievable at mm-wave frequencies, and therefore, a low-cost generation and delivery method has to be developed. In this paper, alternatives for the optical generation and distribution of mm-wave signals are reviewed and a new method is proposed that eases the bandwidth, and hence the cost, of the required optoelectronic components. An assessment of the relative merits of the methods is given.