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

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.