Abstract

Because local loop distribution systems must be reliable, robust, and inexpensive, early passive optical network (PON) proposals emphasized broadcast architectures.¹ These networks employ existing technology in a cost-effective manner and enable fiber to be deployed early. Concerns about ultimate capacity and network operations prompted wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) PONs to be proposed and demonstrated shortly thereafter.² Perceived component costs made implementation unrealistic. Recently, however, component and architecture research has re-opened WDM! as a possible access strategy.

© 1996 Optical Society of America