Evolution phases to an ultra broadband access network: results from ACTS-PLANET

This article presents a new systematic approach to network evolution, considering access and core network evolution as a whole. The evolution phases are designed to fulfill the following evolution requirements. Each phase provides an incentive to the operator and the customer by providing more functionality, higher bit rates, or reduced cost. The phases are realistic for low penetration and match the growth of infrastructure to the gradual growth of the demand. Technologies are independently introduced in the access and core networks depending on demand. The evolution scenario starts with ADSL and evolves toward ultra-broadband access networks based on SuperPON architectures. The new enhanced APON architecture is introduced as a practical intermediate evolution phase. For the first time, the principle of segmentation is applied to APONs/SuperPONs to enable gradual growth in number of subscribers and network capacity. Optical channels and wavelength-division multiplexing are introduced in the core network.