Designing wavelength-division-multiplexed optical access networks using reflective photonic components

Optical access networks compatible with PON and WDM approaches are presented exploiting new generation of photonic components and novel designs for the OLT and ONU. The OLT design is based on a centralized light source that powers arrays of reflective modulators. On the other end, the ONU can achieve optical cancellation of downstream data and enable re-use of the same wavelength channel for high-speed upstream transmission in PONs. Combination of reflective colourless modulators and downstream cancellation techniques can enable next generation high-capacity, scalable and cost-effective WDM-based PONs.