PON in adolescence: from TDMA to WDM-PON

Abstract

Passive optical networks are used for fiber-to-the-home/curb/cabinet/building applications. Today, two PON variants with time-domain multiple access, GPON and EPON, are being used for mass roll-outs. WDM-PONs are the next step up from these PONs to accommodate traffic growth and new applications. This article analyzes WDM-PON variants and proposes they be used for a unified optical access and back-hauling network.