Modeling and simulation of Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) experiment platform based on OPNET Modeler

Abstract

EPON is ready for commercial development in broadband access networks due to the maturity of a number of enabling technologies, long distance and reduced maintenance. Researchers have already created many different Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) schemes for EPON in order to meet the increasing bandwidth requirements of multiservice access. Currently it is difficult to evaluate and comparing these competing algorithms in a meaningful manner. Theoretical models are complex and often need simplifying assumptions and so simulation is the preferred option, but there is no accepted framework to compare DBA algorithms. This paper proposes such a framework and details its implementation and use. The EPON models include the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) model, the Passive Optical Splitter (POS) model and the Optical Network Units (ONUs) model all built in OPNET Modeler 16. The main processes of those models and main status of those processes are described in detail. These models are available as open source and will enable researchers to quickly and easily compare their algorithms with those that already exist.