Novel three-level architecture for broadband fiber-optic networks

This paper presents a novel three-level architecture model for broadband fiber-optic networks. The proposed model exploits the advantages (protocol transparency, reduced cost, infrastructure scalability) of the physical layer in a broadband fiber-optic network. It consists of three layers (central, distribution, access) of hierarchy and six network elements. A bottom-up approach is used to analyze the architecture of the proposed model. Moreover, an integrated system for broadband fiber-optic networks is presented, which is based on the proposed model. Representative examples of fiber-optic metropolitan area networks (MANs) that have been implemented in the region of Central Macedonia, Greece, are illustrated.