Comparison of active and passive optical access networks

Abstract

Active and passive optical networks are compared. Based on a reference model that covers AON and PON as well as the interfacing equipment, the different sites and locations in an access network are identified. Such a reference model is necessary in order to make a proper techno-economical comparison between the various optical access network architectures. Also, such a model makes it easier to compare functional differences between AON and PON. The reference model particularly focuses on identifying CAPEX contributions, but also OPEX contributions are regarded. Moreover, the definition of PON and AON has been refined in order to achieve a much more consistent terminology.