FULL-SERVICE OPTICAL ACCESS NETWORKS - ATM TRANSPORT ON PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORKS

Multimedia communication has become the driving force for installing b roadband systems in the public network. Different alternative solution s have been presented to realize a broadband interactive access networ k, such as installing optical fiber or upgrading the existing copper n etwork with ADSL for twisted pair or hybrid fiber coax for CATV networ ks, Among these alternatives, optical fiber access networks are seen a s the most future-safe solution. Especially, passive optical networks prove to be a cost-effective way to introduce fiber into the access ne twork. This article presents ATM-based transport on passive optical ne tworks, starting with a current implementation of an ATM-PON (APON) sy stem that has already been installed fbr various trials. It further de scribes the evolution of APON systems to high-splitting, long-range PO Ns. The increase in both number of subscribers and distance range will be discussed in combination with some specific technological issues s uch as upstream burst mode optical amplification. Special emphasis wil l be placed on the work carried out within the scope of the ACTS PLANE T project.