Towards greener optical access networks

Whereas the developments in passive optical networks are deemed to hold the promise for faster true broadband networks, there is still a window of opportunity to use semi-active optical networks or purely passive optical networks. In the meantime, a hybrid network would be an attractive idea as this ensures availability, guaranteed quality of services and efficient restoration of services in cases of outage. In this paper a solution is proposed that can be advanced into the possibility of providing green power for the active part of optical access networks as we draw closer to purely passive and hence even greener optical network. This discussion focuses on the requirements and sources of power for the active components of optical access networks. To ensure continuous reduction of the carbon footprint while advancing towards purely passive optical networks, we have emphasized the need for alternative, renewable and greener sources to supply the required power. Solar power would be used as the default power source while mains are used as backup or a standby source. This is because solar power can be harvested and stored with less carbon footprint.