Page 3 - 20180911 Access Transformation white Paper Final

Introduction

Transformation in a nutshell
This paper is focused on the access part of service providers data
communication delivery networks. More specifically how these access networks
have evolved and can further evolve to keep up with customer demand. The
access network is the part of the network providing direct connectivity to Access transformation involves not only the
subscribers. As shown in the figure below, different access technologies and technology transformation, as discussed in this
architectures are being deployed today. Let us first look at some key paper, but also includes strategic, financial and
characteristic of these access architectures. operational considerations. In the future, we will
introduce you to these other aspects of the
▪ HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax): HFC is mostly deployed by cable operators. transformation. In the meantime, if you want to get
This technology, initially deployed for broadcast video distribution, a hint of what’s to come, refer to [3].
transfers triple play services on the coax infrastructure. HFC
architecture uses fiber cable from the distribution hub to an active In a nut shell, for an access transformation you need
optical node in the outside plant, and coax cable from the optical node to consider the –
to the subscribers. HFC is a shared point to multipoint (P2MP) ▪
architecture meaning that all active subscribers on a link share the Strategic needs which includes the
available upstream and downstream bandwidth. The data ▪ strategic and customer needs
communication protocol deployed on HFC is DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Financial constraints which restricts the
amount at your disposal to invest
Service Interface Specification). Multiple versions of DOCSIS protocol ▪
are deployed in the cable operator networks. Operational challenges that brings realistic
▪ xPON (Passive Optical Network): A passive optical network is a P2MP market conditions in perspective, and
architecture that uses fiber cable to connect subscribers from the OLT ▪ Technological options that are at your
(Optical Line Terminator) in the distribution hub/Central Office (or from disposal to meet the above needs
a cabinet in the outside plant) to the ONT (Optical Network These four pillars together decide how effective a
Termination) at the subscriber location. A single fiber from the OLT is transformation strategy is to meet the long-term
split using passive optical splitters to several subscribers. Typical split vision of a provider.
ratios deployed in the field are 1/32 or 1/16. There are different PON
standards, each with different physical and MAC layer definitions. Most
deployed PON standards today are: GPON, EPON, 10G-EPON, XGS-
PON, and NG-PON2.

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