OFDM Simulation Using

In an OFDM scheme, a large number of orthogonal, overlapping, narrow band sub-channels or subcarriers, transmitted in parallel, divide the available transmission bandwidth. The separation of the subcarriers is theoretically minimal such that there is a very compact spectral utilization. The attraction of OFDM is mainly due to how the system handles the multipath interference at the receiver. Multipath generates two effects: frequency selective fading and intersymbol interference (ISI). The "flatness" perceived by a nar row-band channel overcomes the former, and modulating at a very low symbol rate, which makes the symbols much longer than the channel impulse response, diminishes the latter. Using powerful error correcting codes together with time and frequency interleaving yields even more robustness against frequency selective fading, and the insertion of an extra guard interval between consecutive OFDM symbols can reduce the effects of ISI even more. Thus, an equalizer in the receiver is not necessary.