Comparison study of next generation FTTH PON architectures

Abstract

Recent research activities in the area of optical networks technology are focusing on possible extensions of current GPON and EPON since these systems may suffer bandwidth limitations in the future, and they do not make use of the full optical bandwidth. In this project two network architectures were proposed to satisfy the requirements of NG-PON1 while being compatible with the standardized GPON to protect the investment that have been spent. The two proposed architectures have been simulated by using Optisystem simulation tool, and then analyze the performances of the networks according to simulation results. The performance evaluation parameters were the Q Factor (BER) and optical power budget. The first architecture is a TDM-PON based. The main reason behind using TDMA in the first architecture (10G TDM-PON) is to allow co-existence with the current generation PONs. The second architecture is Hybrid TDM-WDM PON. After knowing the optimum performance for each architectures by considering numbers of users (32, 64 and 128) and different length fiber (from 20 to 100 km), a comparison between the architectures is done. The Hybrid TDM-WDM PON architecture has more power budget capability than the 10G TDM-PON architecture. Therefore Hybrid TDMWDM PON architecture was found capable to serve longer distance than 10G TDMPON architecture. The two proposed architectures meet the requirements of NG PON1, such as providing higher splitting ratio, higher bandwidth and longer reach then current GPON system.