Flexibility and quality in the access network

It is argued that, to keep pace with ever-changing needs for new services capabilities and increased bandwidth, local exchange carriers (LECs) need to deploy a flexible and robust access infrastructure. The use of outside plant electronics such as digital loop carrier (DLC) and lightwave multiplexers, either stand-alone or integrated, to implement remote service interfaces and a high-bandwidth fiber feeder can achieve this goal. To insure flexibility, the DLC and lightwave multiplexer equipment should support full service capability and bandwidth management of the DS0 and DS1/VT1.5 (Virtual Tributary 1.5) level. On the distribution side, the platform should support copper, fiber, and wireless access. On the feeder side, use of standard interfaces such as TR303 and SONET are crucial in implementing a high-functionality network that supports advanced operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning, as well as multivendor interworking.<>