Cost effectiveness of site reduction in optical access network: A CapEx based comparison of different technologies

Abstract

The increasing demand for higher bit rates in access networks requires fibre deployment closer to the customer since bit rates in copper based access networks are strictly limited by the length of the copper cables. Besides higher access bit rates optical access network technologies enable extended distances between the network terminal at the customer premise and the line port at the access node due to the lower attenuation of optical fibres: The network operator is able to establish larger service areas resulting in a simplified network structure leading to a cost-efficient re-design of the network. In this paper different architectures for optical access networks with emphasis on network node consolidation are analyzed with respect to optical reach and installation costs. Based on simplified device and cost models the results show that the costs for the feeder fibres between the new central network node and the former node being now de-activated represent a major cost part. In order to economically re-design the access network, technologies with a high multiplexing factor and a cost-efficient operation are necessary.