FITL and B-ISDN: a marriage with a future

A cost comparison for different broadband access network configurations in the context of fiber-in-the-loop (FITL) is presented. The basic architecture and features of the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) passive optical network (APON) are described. The design objectives of each of the APON building blocks are clarified, and their relation to the system philosophy is indicated. The building blocks include systems for transport over the PON, operation of the user equipment, and interworking with existing networks.<
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