The latest FTTH technologies for full service access networks

Current strong demands on computer communication services like internet access services require economical solutions to provide broadband capabilities to access networks. Several approaches to broaden the so-called access bottleneck have been proposed and tested, that is, HFC using cable modems, metallic cables using ADSL, wireless access, FTTC using VDSL and FTTH. In this paper, the latest technologies to realize economically feasible FTTH systems are presented. The requirements and system technologies to provide various multimedia services as well as conventional telephone services are shown. Various approaches to reduce the access network cost are introduced from system and component technologies point of views. Three types of FTTH systems, Narrowband FTTH, Video Distribution FTTH and High Speed FTTH based on ATM techniques are presented. The international collaboration on full service access networks is discussed. Finally, the field trials of FTTH in Japan are illustrated.