Brecht Stubbe

An overview of passive optical networks

This paper gives an overview of past and recent developments of Passive Optical Networks (PONs). Such networks currently receive a lot of intention as a means to relieve the so-called last-mile bottleneck in todays broadband networks using optical fiber technology. Several important multiplexing techniques are highlighted, with an emphasis on Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). An overview of current standards is given, together with emerging standards for advanced broadband PON networks.

Fast and accurate level monitoring circuitry for a burst-mode CMOS laser driver

Fast level monitoring circuitry was implemented in an intelligent 155Mb/s burst-mode laser driver chip suitable for PON applications. The chip can regulate the launched optical power of an external laser diode to a required level within 2.6 /spl mu/s, when the laser and its driver are powered up and connected to the network for the first time. A 3.3 V digital 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS process was used for the design of this generic chip, which supports most commercially available lasers. No external adjustable components are required.

Performance of Burst-mode Receiver and Optical Repeater Units in SuperPON.

This paper describes the TDMA uplink of the ACTS PLANET project, realizing a high split long range access network using optical amplification. An overview of the network topology and the different building blocks is given. In particular, the differentiating burst mode receiver, the optical repeater units and the amplified splitter controller will be discussed. Bit error measurements were performed to define the system limits of the access network. It is shown that a feeder length of 90 km, in combination with a split factor of 2000 and a drop section length of 10 km are feasible.

Evaluation of SuperPON demonstrator

The paper presents evaluation results of the SuperPON demonstrator. It shows the feasibility of a passive optical network with increased bit rate (2.5 Gbit/s downstream and 311 Mbit/s upstream), extended range (100 km) and enlarged splitting factor (2048).

Performance of upstream optical repeaters using semiconductor optical amplifiers for high-split long-distance PONs

Summary form only given. Summary form only given. The authors show that a maximum overhead of 2 bits can be achieved, and the pulse width distortion at 155 Mbit/s is not significant with the gain control of the semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). However, when undergoing the 311 M bit/s upgrade of the uplink, pulse reshaping might be necessary at the burst-mode receiver.

Control of upstream optical repeaters for SuperPON access networks

This paper reports on the control systems for upstream optical repeaters in a long range high-split ratio SuperPON access network. Optical amplification means of fast switching semiconductor optical amplifiers is used. Two methods to control the drive current of the optical amplifiers are described: a feed forward self-triggered scheme and a topology using a priori known talker identity information. Trade-offs between both systems will be discussed. The first alternative was used in a lab demonstrator set-up, while the second will be used in a small field trial.

Embedded real time control of optically amplified repeaters in broadband access networks

This paper presents the use of distributed, intelligent control and management in optically amplified repeaters. These optical repeater units (ORUs) are used in an optical access network. A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) has been used in the upstream direction because of the possibility of fast switching. The real time control platform consists of both a hard- and a software part. The software control is handled with the embedded control system FORTRESS developed by IMEC.

Evaluation of a superPON demonstrator

The paper presents evaluation results of the SuperPON demonstrator. It shows the feasibility of a passive optical network with increased bit rate (2.5 Gbit/s downstream and 311 Mbit/s upstream), extended range (100 km) and enlarged splitting factor (2048).

A lab demonstration of a SuperPON optical access network

This paper contains experimental results obtained from the ACTS PLANET (Photonic Local Access NETwork) Lab demonstrator, which confirm the technical feasibility of the SuperPON concept. The SuperPON is an optical fibre-based ATM access network which can support a large number of subscriber Optical Network Units (ONUs) up to 2048 and cover a long distance of 100 km.