Optical technology options for the European IBCN

Intensive worldwide activities are directed today towards the development of service-integrated public broadband networks. The author illustrates the various options for the customer broadband access of a future European integrated broadband communications network (IBCN). Such a network may provide the infrastructure for new broadband services, the introduction of which is a main goal of the RACE program of the European Communities. There are a number of technical options for the design of broadband customer access systems, especially optical options, depending on the time of introduction and regulatory conditions