Title :
The superPON demonstrator: an exploration of possible evolution paths for optical access networks
Author :
Van de Voorde, I. ; Martin, C.M. ; Vandewege, J. ; Oiu, X.Z.
Author_Institution :
Alcatel Corporate Res. Center, Antwerp, Belgium
fDate :
2/1/2000 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
An optical broadband access network called APON (ATM-based Passive Optical Network) has been standardized and its commercial deployment started. This article discusses possible evolution scenarios for the APON system with respect to bit rate, range, and splitting factor, leading to the SuperPON concept. Technical challenges encountered during the realization of the SuperPON demonstrator within the European ACTS project PLANET are discussed in detail. In addition, to illustrate when these technologies will become commercially viable, the major results of an economic-feasibility study are presented. Finally, the SuperPON integration in the pan-European trial of the ACTS PELICAN project is described
Keywords :
asynchronous transfer mode; economics; optical fibre subscriber loops; packet switching; research initiatives; standardisation; APON; APON system; ATM-based Passive Optical Network; European ACTS project; PELICAN project; PLANET; bit rate; commercial deployment; economic-feasibility study; optical access networks; optical broadband access network; pan-European trial; range; splitting factor; standardization; superPON demonstrator; Bandwidth; Bit rate; Costs; Optical devices; Optical fiber networks; Optical fiber subscriber loops; Optical network units; Passive optical networks; Planets; Stimulated emission;
Journal_Title :
Communications Magazine, IEEE
