Gert Van Der Plas

ATM over passive optical networks: system design and demonstration

Passive Optical Networks (PONs) have been demonstrated to be cost-attractive approach for the deployment of Fiber-In-The-Loop systems (FITL) having POTS services capability. In the future these systems must be able to carry broadband services in ATM format as defined by CCITT. The present paper describes an ATM-based PON (APON) and presents the results of feasibility tests for the most critical parts of the system: high-speed medium access protocol for upstream transmission (TDMA), burst mode clock synchronization technique and high- speed electro-optic transceivers applicable to burst mode transmission. System design options such as the downstream and upstream bit rates, the sharing factor and the multiplexing technique used for the bidirectional transport of ATM cells are discussed. Issues such as analog CATV services delivery and the provision of digital video-on-demand (VOD) are covered as well.

Evolution of the optical access network and the related technical issues

Currently, the developed bi-directional broadband Passive Optical Networks (PONs) have a maximum splitting factor around 32 and a range less than 20 km. Due to the expected switching node consolidation the access network will have to cover a wider range. An access network based on a cascade of PONs is proposed. Optical transmission is supported by the introduction of optical amplifiers, offering the advantage of transparency. In this paper, the technological issues to realize a high split, wide range PON are discussed. Main focus is on the realization of a node amplifying a burst mode signal, and the reliability and upgradeability of such networks.Currently, the developed bi-directional broadband Passive Optical Networks (PONs) have a maximum splitting factor around 32 and a range less than 20 km. Due to the expected switching node consolidation the access network will have to cover a wider range. An access network based on a cascade of PONs is proposed. Optical transmission is supported by the introduction of optical amplifiers, offering the advantage of transparency. In this paper, the technological issues to realize a high split, wide range PON are discussed. Main focus is on the realization of a node amplifying a burst mode signal, and the reliability and upgradeability of such networks.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.