Next generation PON evolution

Abstract

Passive optical network (PON) features a point-to-multi-point (P2MP) architecture to provide broadband access. The P2MP architecture has become the most popular solution for FTTx deployment among operators. PON-based FTTx has been widely deployed ever since 2004 when ITU-T Study Group 15Q2 completed recommendations that defined GPON system [ITU-T seriesG.984]. As full services are provisioned by the massive deployment of PON networks worldwide, operators expect more from PONs. These include improved bandwidths and service support capabilities as well as enhanced performance of access nodes and supportive equipment over their existing PON networks. The direction of PON evolution is a key issue for the telecom industry. Full Service Access Network (FSAN) and ITU-T are the PON interest group and standard organization, respectively. In their view, the next-generation PONs are divided into two phases: NG-PON1 and NG-PON2. Mid-term upgrades in PON networks are defined as NG-PON1, while NG-PON2 is a long-term solution in PON evolution. Major requirements of NG-PON1 are the coexistence with the deployed GPON systems and the reuse of outside plant. Optical Distribution Networks (ODNs) account for 70% of the total investments in deploying PONs. Therefore, it is crucial for the NGPON evolution to be compatible with the deployed networks. With the specification of system coexistence and ODN reuse, the only hold-up of the migration from GPON to NG-PON1 is the maturity of the industry chain. Unlike NG-PON1 that has clear goals and emerging developments, there are many candidate technologies for NG-PON2. The selection of NG-PON2 is under discussion. However, one thing is clear, NG-PON2 technology must outperform NG-PON1 technologies in terms of ODN compatibility, bandwidth, capacity, and cost-efficiency.