Future Optical Access Network

Fiber-based access is recognized as the most promising technology for solving broadband bandwidth bottlenecks. Time division multiplexing passive optical networks (TDM-PONs) that are passive and non-reconfigurable are currently the most widely deployed type of fiber access networks. However, due to their passive nature, TDM-PONs faces several limitations such as inflexible service area coverage, lack of intelligence for control, and inability to counteract security attacks. In order to address the current limitations of optical access networks, we propose reconfigurable technologies for next generation PONs. Two novel reconfigurable technologies are proposed, analyzed, and experimentally evaluated. The first solution is a reconfigurable power-and wavelength- assignment technology based on a novel non-volatile, reconfiguration node. The proposed remote node can reconfigure the network to adapt it to varying degrees of deployment conditions and/or network attacks. Moreover, the proposed remote node incorporates a novel quasi-passive device that does not consume energy once it is reconfigured into a new latching state. Therefore, the proposed remote node has very low energy consumption and does not require local power supply to preserve the passive character of the distribution network. In particular, two novel quasi-passive optical power splitter technologies based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and transition metal oxide have been designed for the reconfigurable device. A simulation study shows the proposed reconfigurable device would outperform traditional passive splitter in terms of maximum number of supportable users under realistic deployment conditions. The second solution addresses the issue of reconfigurable network consolidation and infrastructure simplification. Current TDM-PONs suffers from limited reach and split-ratio. To enhance the performance in terms of service range and quality of service, reconfigurable network consolidation is a promising solution. It can also simplify the network and reduce cost. We propose the following novel reconfigurable technologies for consolidation and simplification of next generation access networks: (1) Passive reach-extension technology for the drop section of optical access networks; (2) Sleep mode ONUs for energy saving; (3) Centrally managed optical signature that can monitor and protect the upstream link; and (4) Multi-rate burst mode receivers. These reconfigurable technologies can bring the intelligence into optical access networks and improve the efficiency and flexibility for next generation optical access networks.

Fiber-based access is recognized as the most promising technology for solving broadband bandwidth bottlenecks. Time division multiplexing passive optical networks (TDM-PONs) that are passive and non-reconfigurable are currently the most widely deployed type of fiber access networks. However, due to their passive nature, TDM-PONs faces several limitations such as inflexible service area coverage, lack of intelligence for control, and inability to counteract security attacks. In order to address the current limitations of optical access networks, we propose reconfigurable technologies for next generation PONs. Two novel reconfigurable technologies are proposed, analyzed, and experimentally evaluated. The first solution is a reconfigurable power-and wavelength- assignment technology based on a novel non-volatile, reconfiguration node. The proposed remote node can reconfigure the network to adapt it to varying degrees of deployment conditions and/or network attacks. Moreover, the proposed remote node incorporates a novel quasi-passive device that does not consume energy once it is reconfigured into a new latching state. Therefore, the proposed remote node has very low energy consumption and does not require local power supply to preserve the passive character of the distribution network. In particular, two novel quasi-passive optical power splitter technologies based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and transition metal oxide have been designed for the reconfigurable device. A simulation study shows the proposed reconfigurable device would outperform traditional passive splitter in terms of maximum number of supportable users under realistic deployment conditions. The second solution addresses the issue of reconfigurable network consolidation and infrastructure simplification. Current TDM-PONs suffers from limited reach and split-ratio. To enhance the performance in terms of service range and quality of service, reconfigurable network consolidation is a promising solution. It can also simplify the network and reduce cost. We propose the following novel reconfigurable technologies for consolidation and simplification of next generation access networks: (1) Passive reach-extension technology for the drop section of optical access networks; (2) Sleep mode ONUs for energy saving; (3) Centrally managed optical signature that can monitor and protect the upstream link; and (4) Multi-rate burst mode receivers. These reconfigurable technologies can bring the intelligence into optical access networks and improve the efficiency and flexibility for next generation optical access networks.

Broadband optical access network is an ideal solution to alleviate the first/last mile bottleneck of current Internet infrastructures. Richly illustrated throughout to help clarify important topics, Broadband Optical Access Networks covers the architectures, protocols enabling technologies of broadband optical access networks, and all current and future competing technologies for access networks. This comprehensive work presents the evolution of optical access networks, including reach extension, bandwidth enhancement, and discusses the convergence of optical and wireless technologies for broadband access, making it an invaluable reference for researchers, electrical engineers, and graduate students.

This book will highlight the motivation for coherent optics in access and introduce digital coherent optical system in detail, including advanced modulation formats, architecture of modulation and detection, and DSP flow for both transmitter and receiver. This book will also demonstrate potential approaches to re-design and re-engineer the digital coherent concept from long-haul and metro solutions to the access network, leveraging reduction in complexity and cost as well as the benefits of capacity increases and operational improvements. This book will illustrate the details on optimization of the digital, optical, and electrical complexity and standardization and interoperability.

Broadband optical access network is an ideal solution to alleviate the first/last mile bottleneck of current Internet infrastructures. Richly illustrated throughout to help clarify important topics, Broadband Optical Access Networks covers the architectures, protocols enabling technologies of broadband optical access networks, and all current and future competing technologies for access networks. This comprehensive work presents the evolution of optical access networks, including reach extension, bandwidth enhancement, and discusses the convergence of optical and wireless technologies for broadband access, making it an invaluable reference for researchers, electrical engineers, and graduate students.

Broadband Optical Access and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) will provide the ultimate broadband service capabilities. Compared with the currently well-deployed broadband access technologies of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable Modems, optical broadband access with Fiber-to-the-User’s home will cater for much higher speed access for new services. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home presents a comprehensive technical overview of key technologies and deployment strategies for optical broadband access networks and emerging new broadband services. The authors discuss network design considerations, new services, deployment trends and operational experiences, while explaining the current situation and providing insights into future broadband access technologies and services. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home: Offers a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to new developments in broadband access network technologies and services. Examines the impact of research and development in photonics technologies on broadband access and FTTH. Covers ADSL, VDSL with FTTC (Fiber-to-the-Curb), Cable Modem over HFC (Hybrid-Fiber Coax) and Gigabit Ethernet. Discusses the roles of Broadband Wireless LAN and integrated FTTH/Wireless Broadband Access as well as Broadband Home Networks. Provides a global view of broadband network development, presenting different technical and system deployment approaches and strategic considerations for comparison. Gives insight into the worldwide broadband competition and the future of this technology. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home will be an invaluable resource for engineers in research and development, network planners, business managers, consultants as well as analysts and educators for a better understanding of the future of broadband in the field of telecommunications, data communications, and broadband multimedia service industries.

Fibre-to-the-Home networks constitute a fundamental telecom segment with the required potential to match the huge capacity of transport networks with the new user communication demands. Huge investments in access network infrastructure are expected for the next decade, with many initiatives already launched around the globe recently, driven by the new broadband service demands and the necessity by operators to deploy a future-proof infrastructure in the field. Dense FTTH Passive Optical Networks (PONs) is a cost-efficient way to build fibre access, and international standards (G/E-PON) have been already launched, leading to new set of telecom products for mass deployment. However, these systems only make use of less than 1% of the optical bandwidth; thus, relevant research is taking place to maximize the capacity of these systems, with the latest opto-electronic technologies, demonstrating that the huge bandwidth available through the fibre access can be exploited in a cost-efficient and reliable manner. Next-Generation FTTH Passive Optical Networks gathers and analyzes the most relevant techniques developed recently on technologies for the next generation FTTH networks, trying to answer the question: what’s after G/E-PONs?

"This book presents a comprehensive overview of emerging optical access network solutions to efficiently meet the anticipated growth in bandwidth demand"--Provided by publisher.

Rapid changes in population distribution across Canada and the introduction of new telecommunication services to the consumer market have resulted in a number of significant challenges for existing network infrastructure. Fast growing populations in metropolitan regions require high density access networks to meet the growing need for bandwidth that results. Furthermore, new services such as high definition TV, online gaming and real-time video teleconferencing are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. These services require higher bandwidth to be available to end users. Changes in the Canadian economy will soon lead to a transition in Canadian industry from manufacturing to services and exploration of natural resources. This will create opportunities for new industrial development and growth in northern regions. Expanding industrialization towards northern Canada will require deployment of reliable telecommunication infrastructure. The combination of open source software, Linux operating system and Personal Computer (PC) based hardware platform is proposed to become the foundation for low cost and flexible technology that will provide transition towards all-optical infrastructures. An innovative prototype of a low-cost optical gigabit Ethernet switch is presented and its benchmark results are discussed. Scalability of the switch and its future applications in optical networks are studied. A prototype of a software based data encapsulation system was designed and implemented in a PC based platform, and its performance was evaluated using real data that was captured in commercial LAN. Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA) are studied as a building block in next generation switching devices for all-optical access networks. A prototype of an SOA-based low-cost optical switching device with implemented FPGA based controlling mechanism is presented and its characteristics are discussed. SOA is also studied as an energy efficient optical amplifier that can be deployed in end user facilities. The presented results provide proof of concept of a low cost flexible platform that can be used to design and build network devices to facilitate the transition of existing telecommunication networks towards next generation optical access infrastructure.