FTTx Solutions

As voice traffic growth slows and traditional voice revenues decline, service providers are seeking new value add applications to enhance revenue. One such avenue for growth is “Triple Play”, and more specifically IPTV and ancillary services like Video-on-Demand (VoD) and other applications enabled by an IPTV network. These services require more bandwidth than is available using the copper infrastructure that enters each dwelling or building. The growth in DSL services has alleviated some of the bandwidth crunch. However, geographic limitations of DSL technology limit the potential subscriber reach. Also, in some countries, the quality of copper may be limiting xDSL penetration. In some cases, ADSL may not support the increased bandwidth demands of many new services.

Passive Optical Network (PON) can be the ideal solution due to its very high bandwidth. The passive nature of the connection means that only simple, non-powered equipment is used to split the light signal from the Central Office node to the user end. PON networks could be used in conjunction with other gear in the network. One configuration could use PON equipment to provide the backbone for an expanded DSL network. In this configuration, PON extends the reach of DSL and brings it closer to the customer, allowing IPTV and VoD services to be deployed over existing copper connections to the home.

PON technology uses light waves to transport signals. Light waves provide a massive bandwidth increase over the existing twisted copper pair. PON equipment carries voice calls, cable signals (RF) and Ethernet traffic for broadband applications. Supporting the existing suite of voice, video and data services that are now brought into the home, this technology’s additional bandwidth will also carry IPTV and VoD, as well as future interactive services.

Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (GEPON), commonly known as Ethernet PON, is generally accepted as the most effective transport architecture or variant of PON technology, providing seamless integration with the IP/Ethernet core network. Applications enabled by a GEPON network include low bandwidth intensive applications like VoIP services and high speed data and high bandwidth intensive applications like multiple simultaneous HD streams, Video calling and conferencing, Distance Learning, Enterprise services, and more.