Service implications of fiber networking

The impact of fiber networking as the vehicle to provide new consumer services is considered. The service implications of fiber networking, namely the interrelationship of fiber-to-the-home and developments in consumer electronics are highlighted. The area of advanced television (ATV) is presented as an illustrative example. Two major services implications are identified: fiber networking increases the need to deliver a multitude of services in an integrated fashion; and the advances in consumer electronics together with the information carrying capacity of fiber optics will affect the services supported by transport providers. It is concluded that an understanding of the service requirements is critical for building new fiber networks