Analysis of a bandwidth allocation protocol for Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs)

This article deals with the problem of bandwidth allocation in the upstream channel for Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs). EPONs are an emerging access network technology that provides a low-cost solution for deploying optical access lines between a carrier´s central office and a customer site. In particular, in this paper we evaluate a simple modification of the bandwidth allocation algorithm called multi point control protocol (MPCP). Simulations results, obtained using OPNET™ modeler, show that the modified algorithm outperform the original one in terms of maximum available bandwidth and packet wait time in upstream direction.