CableLabs’ Technologists to Present Groundbreaking PON Research at OFC 2025

Haipeng Zhang and Jing Wang, Principal Architects; Matt Schmitt, Distinguished Technologist; and Dr. Zhensheng (Steve) Jia, Fellow and Director of Advanced Optical Technologies, will share groundbreaking research on next-generation Passive Optical Networks (PON) and Coherent PON at the 2025 Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) in San Francisco, CA.

Technical Presentations

📌 Single-Laser BiDirectional Coherent PON: A Hybrid SC/DSC Architecture for Flexible and Cost-Efficient Optical Access Networks (M2I.4)
March 31, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM PDT | Room 215
This session, presented by Haipeng Zhang, will showcase a novel single-laser BiDirectional coherent PON featuring hybrid single-carrier (SC) and dual-subcarrier (DSC) support. The proposed architecture enhances upstream burst transmission efficiency while lowering complexity, enabling cost-effective, high-performance optical access networks.

Authors: Haipeng Zhang, Zhensheng Jia, Albero Campos, Karthik Choutagunta, Curtis Knittle.

📌 Robust Colorless Coherent Receiver for Next-Generation PONs: Coexistence with Legacy Systems and Multi-Wavelength Operation (M4I.3)
March 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM PDT | Room 215
Haipeng Zhang will explore a colorless coherent receiver designed for next-generation PONs, emphasizing its ability to coexist with legacy PONs and support multi-wavelength operation. Zhang will discuss key factors such as fiber nonlinearity, channel spacing, and optical power impacts, offering crucial insights for future network deployments.

Authors: Haipeng Zhang, Zhensheng Jia, John Bevilacqua.

📌 Awards Ceremony and Luncheon

April 1, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM PDT | Salon 9, Marriott Marquis Hotel

This celebratory luncheon will recognize IEEE honorees including CableLabs’ Dr. Steve Jia, who will receive well-deserved accolades — IEEE Fellow from IEEE Communication and Photonics Societies — for contributions to optical communication systems and broadband access networks.

📌 Coherent PON Optimization (Tu2I)

April 1, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT | Room 215

Zhang will also preside over this session focusing on Coherent PON Optimization, further contributing to the advancement of high-capacity optical networking.

📌 Integration of Quantum Key Distribution in a 20-km 32-User Coherent Passive Optical Network with Single Feeder Fiber

April 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM PDT | Room 207

Jing Wang will present a compelling paper about the first integration of O-band polarization-encoding decoy-state BB84 QKD into a C-band 20-km single-feeder fiber 32-user coherent PON running at carrier-grade power levels without modifying existing PON infrastructures.

Authors: Jing Wang, Brian Rollick, Zhensheng Jia, Bernardo Huberman.

📌 Crafting Fiber Access Networks for Service Excellence Assurance

April 1, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PDT | Rooms 203-204

Join Dr. Steve Jia and other industry experts and researchers who will provide in-depth analysis and insights into the evolving landscape of fiber access networks, ensuring they meet the demands of future applications.

📌 Out of the Darkness: A Sneak Peek at CableLabs’ CPON Specifications

April 3, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT | Theater II

Led by moderator Matt Schmitt, with Dr. Steve Jia as a panelist, this engaging session will explore how CPON is set to revolutionize next-generation passive optical networks, offering a first look at key innovations shaping the future of broadband.

Learn more.