What is Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)?

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a digital modulation technique used in telecommunications and wireless communication systems. It divides the available frequency spectrum into multiple closely spaced subcarriers, each carrying a different part of the transmitted data. By using orthogonal subcarriers that do not interfere with each other, OFDM allows for efficient spectrum utilization and resistance to multipath fading. 

Dissecting Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

Tracing its origins to the 1950s and 60s, OFDM was born out of the application of frequency division multiplexing for high-frequency military radio. A crucial juncture was reached in the late 1960s when Robert W. Chang of Bell Labs proposed a multi-carrier modulation system, laying the groundwork for modern OFDM. The term "OFDM" was coined in the 1970s by researcher Weinstein, but the technique's full potential was initially hindered due to the intensive computational demands of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), a crucial component of signal transformation.

The advent of powerful digital signal processors in the 1980s and 1990s represented a significant breakthrough for OFDM, enabling its implementation in commercial applications. The endorsement of OFDM in the IEEE 802.11a standard in 1999 marked its formal incorporation into Wi-Fi, paving the way for its subsequent adoption in other standards such as Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE). These developments have solidified OFDM's standing as a cornerstone of modern communication systems.

How OFDM Works

The operation of OFDM involves a series of meticulously arranged steps. These procedures span from the onset with bit loading and symbol mapping, extending all the way to the terminal stages of demapping, decoding, and reconstructing the data stream at the receiver side.

1. Bit Loading: The data to be transmitted is first loaded into the OFDM system. Depending on the modulation scheme being used (such as QAM-16, QAM-64, QPSK, etc.), each symbol may represent multiple bits. For example, in QAM-16, each symbol represents 4 bits.
2. Symbol Mapping: The loaded bits are then mapped to symbols using the chosen modulation scheme. The modulation scheme will dictate how the bits are represented as changes in amplitude and phase of the carrier signal. This is a complex process that involves a great deal of digital signal processing.
3. Subcarrier Mapping: Each symbol is assigned to a specific subcarrier. An OFDM system will have multiple subcarriers (potentially hundreds or even thousands), each of which can carry a separate stream of data.
4. Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT): The IFFT is applied to the set of symbols across all subcarriers, which are represented as frequency domain signals. The IFFT translates these signals from the frequency domain into the time domain, generating a time-domain waveform that contains all of the subcarriers and their respective data.
5. Cyclic Prefix Addition: To prevent inter-symbol interference from multipath propagation, a cyclic prefix is added to each OFDM symbol. This prefix is a copy of the end of the symbol and helps ensure that delayed copies of a symbol do not interfere with the next symbol.
6. Digital to Analog Conversion and Upconversion: The digital OFDM signal is then converted to an analog signal, as radio transmissions are fundamentally analog. The signal is then upconverted to the carrier frequency for transmission.
7. Transmission: The signal is sent over the air via the transmitter's antenna.

At the receiver side:

1. Downconversion and Analog to Digital Conversion: The received signal is downconverted from the carrier frequency, and then converted back into a digital signal.
2. Cyclic Prefix Removal: The cyclic prefix added at the transmitter is removed from each received OFDM symbol.
3. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT): An FFT is applied to the received OFDM symbols, converting them back from the time domain to the frequency domain.
4. Channel Estimation and Equalization: The effects of the transmission channel are estimated and compensated for. This might include adjusting for changes in amplitude and phase that were introduced by the channel.
5. Demapping and Decoding: The symbols are then demapped from their subcarriers and decoded back into bits, based on the modulation scheme that was used. These bits then form the received data stream.

OFDM Application

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) finds application in a variety of modern communication systems due to its efficient handling of data in multi-path situations and superior performance in crowded signal environments. OFDM is utilized in the following key areas:

• Wireless Networks: Critical in enhancing the data rates and efficiency in Wi-Fi networks, it's embedded in several Wi-Fi standards, including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. This technology has contributed significantly to the performance enhancement of these networks. 
• Digital Broadcasting: Its use extends to digital broadcasting standards, such as Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) and Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), enabling the efficient transmission of TV and radio signals respectively.
• Telecommunications: In the realm of telecommunications, it forms a core component of 4G and 5G cellular technologies. Standards like Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced leverage it to augment signal quality and increase data rates.
• Power Line Communications: Even in the challenging environment of power line communications, which involves data transmission over power lines, it proves its worth by demonstrating resilience to narrowband interference and lower cross-talk.
• DSL Internet Service: Certain types of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet service, such as VDSL (Very high-speed DSL), also make use of it. Its ability to manage high data rates is a prime reason for its inclusion in these services.
• Advanced Research Applications: In the area of advanced research, it's utilized in emerging technologies like MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). The aim here is to further increase capacity by using multiple antennas for transmission and reception.