One of two basic approaches is commonly used to deliver FTTP: the Passive Optical Network PON -- where fiber bandwidth is shared among multiple users by means of splitters splitters; and Point-to-Point (P2P) Switched Ethernet -- where equipment at a mid-point in the network provides dedicated service to each subscriber.
Passive Optical Network
Requires passive optical couplers/splitters
Supports BPON (ITU-T G.983), EPON, FSAN (Full Service Access Network) and GPON (ITU-T G.984)
Eliminates powering and maintenance issues associated with electronics in the outside plant
Point-to-Point (P2P) Switched Ethernet
Switching accomplished at remote Ethernet switch site
Does not require passive optical couplers/splitters
Supports IEEE 802.3ah EFM (Ethernet in the First Mile)
FTTP OSP Network Architecture Alternatives.
Within the PON architecture, one of three OSP architectures can be selected: Point-to-point Centralized splitting Distributed splitting Each has unique merits. In all cases, PON equipment communicates with the PSTN and is connected to ATM or Ethernet interfaces, with switching accomplished in the central office. Video services are accessed by means of a CATV headend or satellite feed. Voice, video and data signals are combined on fibers by means of WDM and directed to subscribers through passive optical splitters.
A fourth architecture, switched Ethernet, relies on Ethernet switching equipment in the outside plant using Ethernet protocol optimized for Internet traffic. This approach may offer reduced overhead compared to ATM, conserving bandwidth and optimizing data capacity.
