Next-generation passive optical networks: Leveraging the future-proof broadband access platform

The growing demand for services integrating voice, data and video has paved the way to the development of new transmission techniques in order to build ultimately an interactive broadband access network. Passive optical networks are one of the various alternatives offered to the telecommunications operators providing them the delivery of high-speed interactive services up to the homes of their customers and have been identified by the operator consortium FSAN (Full Service Access Network) as the most cost-effective solution for the introduction of optical fibre into access networks. With the development of new technologies for optical components and new fibre installation techniques, the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) concept is becoming reality. This article introduces the architecture of passive optical networks. The extended split PON concept is discussed as a way of reducing the operator's financial investment in the FTTH introduction phase when initial service penetration is low. Future evolutionary paths allowing capacity increase by means of wavelength-division multiplexing techniques or upgrade in transmission speeds are discussed. Finally, standardisation efforts towards packet-based passive optical networks are presented.