An efficient evolution method from TDM-PON to next-generation PON

Abstract

An efficient evolution method from a time-division-multiplexing passive optical network (TDM-PON) is proposed and demonstrated for a next-generation PON. A single-type three-port wavelength band combiner/splitter enables a simple and efficient evolution of TDM-PON maintaining the current PON infrastructure and wavelength plan. The crosstalk between the TDM-PON and next-generation PON is negligibly small.