Dimensioning and Assessment of Protected Converged Optical Access Networks

Optical access networks are continuously evolving toward next generation solutions offering much higher bandwidth per endpoint and considerably longer optical reach. Their dimensioning and planning should be accurate and as close to realistic values as possible to become useful to network operators. This work presents a converged access network planning and dimensioning tool for planning and dimensioning of networks for fixed mobile convergence based on GIS. These networks connect to the CO, endpoints requiring different capacity and reliability constraints. This tool proposes a new clustering algorithm to decrease fiber and duct length. Furthermore, five protection schemes have been proposed, modeled, and compared in dense urban, urban, and rural areas to improve connection availability to the more availability demanding endpoints. The proposed assessment methodology compares the following parameters: component cost, power consumption, connection availability, indirect improvement in connection availability of residential users, FIF, and protection fiber length required per MBS. The article also includes a consolidated comparative analysis to find the best solution fulfilling the specific requirements of any network/service provider.