# The Analysis of Service Convergence in an Optical Access Network +
## 3 Methodology  
The methodology of this study is based on the implementation and evaluation of advanced technologies in an optical network environment using real equipment. This practical approach accurately replicates 5G network conditions, focusing on service convergence through the integration of UFMC, GFDM, and LTE technologies. The process began with the setup of an experimental infrastructure that included RoF modules and PON elements, chosen for their ability to support the high performance required by next-generation networks. To integrate the environments of signal generation, transmission, and processing, an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) was used for transmission, and a Digital Signal Analyzer (DSA) was employed for reception [6]. The interaction between the waveform generation and implementation environments is depicted in Figure 1. The transmitter block refers to the transmission stage of each system. For generating UFMC, GFDM, and LTE signals, parameters such as modulation scheme, number of blocks, and number of sub-carriers must be configured. The optical channel block illustrates the physical implementation of the optical channel, where signals enter a PON. In this step, the AWG takes the signal generated in Matlab 2024a and modulates it into an RF signal. This RF signal, combined with an intensity modulator and an optical laser, is converted into an optical signal. The optical signal then passes through the fiber optic network and a variable attenuator to adjust its power before entering a photodetector, which converts it back into an electrical signal. The receiver block shows the reception of signals that have traversed the optical channel, where demodulation of the signals is performed to calculate the BER. Network performance analysis was performed by collecting data through multiple test iterations. These tests were conducted under different load conditions and network configurations, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of UFMC-GFDM comparison and LTE-UFMC convergence in an optical network environment. The data obtained were analyzed with advanced network monitoring tools, focusing on metrics such as the BER and EVM. These metrics are essential to determine the quality of the transmitted and received signal, and their analysis allowed for the identification of optimal configurations to maximize network performance. Using real equipment instead of simulations increases the validity of the results, reflecting actual operating conditions in a converged optical network. This approach not only allows for measuring the performance of the technologies under study but also helps identify potential limitations and areas for improvement in the implementation of 5G networks [7]. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Reference** & **Year** & **Contribution** \\ \hline
[4] & 2020 & An optical access network with UFMC and LTE signals achieved \(-30\) dBm sensitivity for the UFMC and \(-31\) dBm for LTE, supporting up to 64 users in a radio-over-fiber configuration. \\
[5] & 2018 & An optical access network with GFDM and LTE signals achieved receiver sensitivities of \(-29.5\) dBm for LTE and \(-24.5\) dBm for GFDM, supporting up to 64 users in a legacy PON using IM/DD format. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Comparison of related works and approaches of UFMC, LTE, and GFDM technologies. To construct the optical channel, both equipment and passive components are required. Figure 2 shows the connection diagram of these components, which form the RoF system used to transmit the UFMC and GFDM signals. In the optical network terminal (ONT) section, there is an AWG, which is loaded with the waveform generated in Matlab 2024a using Agilent Control Utility software. A continuous wave (CW) laser is also included, with its input connected to the optical intensity modulator through the first port using an FC/APC connector.