PON going beyond FTTH [Invited Tutorial]

Abstract

Time division multiplexing passive optical networks (TDM-PONs) are the most widely deployed optical system solutions in current broadband access networks worldwide. The energy and cost efficiency of both their implementation and operation has reached levels that also make them an attractive option for other cost sensitive communication networks. We discuss how essential features of current TDM-PON specifications can be leveraged to also use them for low latency and high capacity professional services in public and private networks. Also, possible PON architecture evolutions towards added intra-PON communication are outlined that are motivated by the latency requirements of some practical use cases.