From an real valued OFDM signal (S0(t)) is a baseband signal (SB(t)) derived and converted into a complex single sideband modulation signal (n(t)). This is modulated onto an optical carrier (fOC) to generate a SSB transmission signal (SOT) having a small bandwidth an carrying the information in the envelope or in the power of the envelope. According to the modulation direct detection is possible. Only a small bandwidth is necessary for the transmission.