Fixed access networks are expected to be subject to significant changes in the future years. On the one hand, in telecommunication networks the evolution from service-specific networks ("stovepipes" per service) towards next generation networks (NGN) with a universal layered architecture can be obs…
Fixed access networks are expected to be subject to significant changes in the future years. On the one hand, in telecommunication networks the evolution from service-specific networks ("stovepipes" per service) towards next generation networks (NGN) with a universal layered architecture can be observed in its beginnings. On the other hand, due to the ever increasing access bit rate demands optical fibres are pushed further to the customers with a pure optical fibre to the home (FTTH) network as the target network architecture. Both trends together "NGN in combination with FTTH" are expected to result in a change of the networking paradigm and give the opportunity for a true next generation access network allowing a network re-configuration with the overall target of a cost-optimized service delivery. Future access networks will be very different from the conventional telephone access networks: In particular the physical characteristics of optical fibres (low attenuation, high bandwidth) allow for large areas to be served from a single access network node enabling network node consolidation and savings of operational expenditures.
This workshop will provide insight in the main trends in optical access networks. Architecture and technology aspects are covered as well as business impacts and opportunities of next generation optical access (NGOA) networks. Technical and economical drivers will be discussed. From technology point of view different options will be discussed like active and passive optical network approaches. Fixed-mobile convergence related aspects will be highlighted, too. Future evolution scenarios will be elaborated and possible research directions and future access network paradigms will be outlined, motivated and discussed by expert speakers from industry and academia. From a business perspective the impact of business models on network design and operation will be highlighted. A closing panel discussion will reflect on similar or deviating approaches and identify the key research challenges and practical deployment issues.
