A Seamless Evolution Method With Protection Capability for Next-Generation Access Networks

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a seamless evolution method with protection capability for next-generation (NG) access networks. Both a time-division-multiplexing passive optical network (TDM-PON) and a wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM-PON) can be accommodated in the same fiber infrastructure and failures of feeder fibers and distribution fibers are protected for each service. Remote reconfigurations of the remote node ( RN) for protection and/or evolution can be achieved within 48 ms by instantaneous optical powering at the central office (CO) while maintaining the RN in a passive state.