Optical Access Transport System GE-PON Platform

In Japan, the number of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) users surpassed the number of digital subscriber line (DSL) users in 2008. Half of all broadband users are now FTTH users, and the service menu for FTTH is growing. This achievement is attributed to lower service rates as related technologies progress and to services that approach an appropriate level of satisfaction for the user. Fujitsu is proposing the use of the Gigabit Ethernet passive optical network (GE-PON) system, which is applicable to mass production, as an access platform to support this dramatic growth in FTTH users. This paper describes the functions of two key GE-PON products―the optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network unit (ONU)―and those of their supervision and control system. It also touches upon 10G-EPON, a next-generation technology now being standardized at IEEE. Fujitsu intends to develop hardware technology to achieve a smooth transition from the existing GE-PON system to 10G-EPON and to provide an access transport system that enables users to enjoy safe and pleasant services in a stress-free way.