The application of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) in an optical burst-switched system employing a single fast switching sample grating-distributed Bragg reflector (SG-DBR) laser isdemonstrated experimentally. The effect of filter profiles compatible with 50, 25, and 12.5 GHz wavelength-division multiplexing grids on the system is investigated with system performance examined in terms of error vector magnitude per subcarrier for OFDM burst data beginning at various times after a switching event. Additionally the placement of the OFDM training sequence within the data burst and its effect on the system is investigated. © 2013 OSA.