David Piehler

FTTP deployments in the United States and Japan-equipment choices and service provider imperatives

This paper discusses the status of FTTP plans and deployment in the United States and in Japan. An overview of PON standards is provided, along with a discussion of video delivery over a PON network. The choice of a particular technical implementation for PON and video delivery is explained by equipment providers (AFC and Harmonic Inc.) and followed by a discussion of its deployment in Verizons service provider network. Finally, we review the history and status of FTTP deployments in Japan.

Nonlinear Raman cross-talk in a video overlay passive optical network

We investigate experimentally and analytically effects due to stimulated Raman scattering on a 1550 nm sub-carrier multiplexed video signal when co-propagating with 1490 nm digital traffic in a passive optical network. If certain design rules are not followed, up to 5 dB of CNR degradation at the lowest frequency video channel is possible.

DWDM architectures for video on demand transport and distribution

We present our study of VoD service optical network using 16-channel DWDM. One approach is a VoD architecture where all video server equipment is centralized and located in the headend. Another option is to deploy servers in several hubs where each has the capability of providing digital VoD service but on a smaller scale. A centralized video server maybe more attractive as it reduces operating cost. DWDM provides a perfect solution for this application because of the high data transport capacity. In a typical DWDM VoD system video programs are stored in MPEG-II format and transported using 64 or 256-QAM modulation. One VoD server in the headend can provide service to several hubs on a fiber ring by allocating wavelengths to these hubs. The number of dropped wavelengths at a particular location depends on the local demand. VoD programs are routed by wavelength to the appropriate hub location. Each wavelength can carry multiple QAM channels. The frequency allocation of these QAM channels depends on the system design. Usually the QAM is inserted in a frequency band above the traditional 50 MHz to 550 MHz broadcast channels. Since QAM signal can be readily decoded by the set top box in customer home, there is no RF conversion required if this QAM signal band originating at the headend matches the set-top box tuner frequency range. At the hubs, the VoD signal can be combined with local channels and the broadcast channels in RF domain and retransmitted for distribution.

RF video overlay in an Ethernet passive optical network

This paper studies the effects of non-linear Raman cross-talk in an RF video overlay in an Ethernet based passive optical network. We show that the Raman cross-talk between the 1490 nm and the 1550 nm wavelengths and the presence of idle frames seriously limits analog video transmission at some specific frequencies. Digital video transmission based on quadrature amplitude modulation is possible, however.

Dual-wavelength transmitter for enhanced video performance over a passive optical network

RF carriers containing analog and/or digital video content drive a LiNbO/sub 3/ modulator fed by two closely spaced (/spl Delta//spl lambda/=1.6 nm) DFB lasers. This decreases the effective RIN at the receiver by 3 dB and improves the SBS suppression by 3 dB.

The effect of SPM, EPM and sign of dispersion on the second order distortion in analog link

We present a complete physical understanding of the role of self phase modulation (SPM), external phase modulation (EPM) and the sign of dispersion on the second order distortion generated by non-linear propagation in a 1550nm externally modulated analog link. We show that the distortion generated by SPM can be compensated using the proper EPM parameters.

HFC architecture for broadband two-way access

Summary form only given. This talk will cover the evolution of the hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network from a one-way medium for the broadcast of analog video into a high-speed two-way data network. Particular emphasis to the next generation of HFC networks.

Digital services using Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) over CATV analog DWDM system

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) has recently gained great popularity as it provides a cost effective way to increase the transmission capacity of the existing fiber cable plant. For a long time, Dense WDM was exclusively used for baseband digital applications, predominantly in terrestrial long haul networks and in some cases in metropolitan and enterprise networks. Recently, the performance of DWDM components and frequency-stabilized lasers has substantially improved while the costs have down significantly. This makes a variety of new optical network architectures economically viable. The first commercial 8- wavelength DWDM system designed for Hybrid Fiber Coax networks was reported in 1998. This type of DWDM system utilizes Sub-Carrier Multiplexing (SCM) of Quadrature Amplitude Modulated (QAM) signals to transport IP data digital video broadcast and Video on Demand on ITU grid lightwave carriers. The ability of DWDM to provide scalable transmission capacity in the optical layer with SCM granularity is now considered by many to be the most promising technology for future transport and distribution of broadband multimedia services.