Analytical Performance Estimation Methods for Modern Optical Communications systems

In this paper we present two different analytical tools for fast performance estimation of optical transmission systems based on both direct detection (DD) and coherent detection (CoD). We introduce the main equations used to model the communications systems and then validate the analytical results against full time domain numerical simulations. Several scenarios are considered ranging from short reach transmission over multimode fiber (MMF), to long-haul ROADM-based links and coherent detection. Our findings show an excellent agreement in every investigated condition based on realistic device parameters and advanced modulation formats typical of modern high-speed communications.