Energy efficient passive optical networks with low power VCSELs

Abstract

Efforts in reducing the power consumption of next-generation optical transceivers through the use of 10 Gb/s vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) in optical network units (ONUs) will be reviewed. Energy savings from a VCSEL ONU in power saving mode will be compared to an active distributed feedback laser based ONU, and will be analytically computed as a function of network parameters. Guidance on the specific power saving mode in order to maximise energy efficiency throughout the day will be outlined.