Converged Heterogeneous Optical Metro-Access Networks

Concepts are described for realizing a versatile converged optical metro-access infrastructure supporting a heterogeneous mix of multiple services from different operators and for different kinds of customers or client systems over a common metro-wide flexible and transparent fiber network. Introduction Optical networks in the metro and access area today are mostly being owned and operated by single operators or companies for a single purpose, e.g. for providing triple play services to residential customers in case of a traditional network operator or for specific business services in case of a closed enterprise network. Usually the assets comprise both the fiber infrastructure as well as the active system hardware. In many cases also the applications are provided by the same operator. However, when looking at the slow progress of fiber network deployments in many places around the world the business cases do not seem sufficiently compelling or are just too risky, especially in view of regulatory uncertainties. At the same time it is increasingly acknowledged that optical networks are becoming an important factor for enhancing the economic attractiveness of cities and regions. Hence, in some places the municipalities decided to build their own fibre infrastructure and letting it to operators to run their systems over it. But those huge investments are certainly not justified by only offering e.g. high speed internet services to residentials. Instead, the network must ultimately serve as a metro-wide or region-wide backbone of virtually unlimited bandwidth capabilities for all kinds of customers and communication needs, including backhauling of other non-optical systems like in radio networks.