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FTTx Overview/Glossary/Acronyms
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
FTTx Overview
Fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) can be described using a number of optical fiber architectures. This section will briefly
describe the following architectures:
Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP)
Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH)
Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB)
Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC)
Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN)
FTTx is also discussed in the context of deployment scenarios such as Greenfield, Overbuild,
Rehabilitation and Hybrid architectures.
General descriptions are offered for products and accessories for which actual design considerations may
be built.
The next generation of broadband access networks must be able to provide the needed bandwidth for
current demands as well as that for any future applications.
Optical fiber provides but one solution for existing and future requirements. With optical fiber technologies,
bandwidth demands are satisfied, bringing the communications infrastructure more powerful tools that can
interface directly with homes, businesses, offices, community centers, and government agencies. Optical
fiber technology provides a higher capacity data transfer at very high speeds. This enables the community
or service provider to supply a wide range services and applications, such as High Definition TV (HDTV),
Video on Demand (VoD) and high-speed data all while providing the basic fundamentals of voice
connectivity.
Broadband Access equipment providers are able to offer technology advances through the converged
services of triple-play features using network aggregation and subtending in combination with the passive
optical network (PON) technology.
“Communities and service providers are able to offer a wide range of value-added services, above and
beyond existing services over a fiber optic infrastructure.”
Communities and service providers have responded to the growing demand for broadband services by
either moving towards a wireless solution or upgrading their existing copper infrastructure with xDSL
technologies. Both of these technologies are readily available today, and represent a natural evolution to
more applications and better utilization of their copper plants. But this is considered as an intermediate
solution, due to rate limitations of wireless, and the transmission limitations of copper lines. Both
technologies impose a technical trade off between rate and reach. This affects the number and types of
services that can be offered by the service providers and communities. It is becoming more economical -
and even more important - strategically imperative, for communities and service providers to start bringing
fiber as close to residential and small business premises sooner, rather than later.
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Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) though an emerging technology is not new. Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) has
been commercially available for about ten years, and FTTP is viewed as the next logical step in the
evolution of the access network. In an FTTP architecture, an optical fiber is deployed all the way to the
customer’s premise or location; either to the residence (FTTH - Fiber To The Home) or to a business (FTTB
- Fiber To The Business).
Exhibit 1 above is an expanded view of the components that comprise the Passive Optical Network (PON)
between the Optical Line Termination (OLT) at the central office (CO) and the Optical Network Termination
(ONT) at the home. Most of the active equipment providers have similar components that provide similar
services. Basically, the Optical Line Termination (OLT) takes an electrical signal from a particular content,
converts the signal into an optical signal, and then transports that signal down through the network. There
are two downstream optical wavelengths, 1550 nm for a video overlay, and 1490 nm for traditional voice
and data services. There may or may not be a 1550 nm Video OLT (V-OLT) in the network: This is
dependent upon whether you are providing video content through a video overlay (which is analog CATV
Services) or switched digital video (SDV) (which is IP Video, not streaming video). If you are providing
video through SDV, there will not be a V-OLT within the network. However, there will always be a Packet or
Digital OLT (P/D-OLT) in the network as this is where your voice and data are transmitted and received.
When using the video overlay techniques where the Video OLT is a separate set of electronics within the
Central Office (CO) or Head-End (HE), there are “new” combining or mixing techniques that are needed to
provide the upstream video on demand (VOD) services from the Central Office (CO) or Head-End (HE).
Video on Demand (VOD) Techniques are discussed in the Video Training Module later in this course. The
additional wavelength is the 1590 nm wavelength that provides the RF Return when the video overlay is
used. This combining or mixing is accomplished with the use of the coarse wave division multiplexer
(CWDM). So, What is CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing)?
If there is a V-OLT, the 1550 nm and 1490 nm signals are combined through a Wave Division Multiplexer
(WDM) module or CWDM and sent to the OSP fiber through the Main Distribution Fiber Frame to the
Optical Distribution Network (ODN). The ODN serves as the access portion of the network. The fiber is
spliced to the primary feeder fiber (F1) within the OSP which is connected or spliced to a centralized splitter
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housed within a Fiber Distribution Terminal or Hub (FDT or FDH). The cabinet containing the centralized
splitter is also referred to as a Primary Flexibility Point (PFP), Local Convergence Point (LCP) or Fiber
Service Area Interface (FSAI). The distribution fiber (F2) architecture may be centralized where all the F2
fiber extends from the FDH to the home, or distributed, where the splitting configuration extends at the FDH
as well as the network access point (NAP) where the access terminals are located closer to the customer
premise.
The signals on the output of the splitter are distributed to homes or premises through the secondary or
distribution fiber to a Fiber Access Terminal (FAT) that connects the Distribution Fiber to the Drop Cable
terminating at the ONT. The fiber access terminal is also referred to as Network Access Point (NAP), and
the ONT may be called a Network Interface Device (NID). The ONT must communicate upstream with the
OLT. This is accomplished by an upstream 1310 nm laser within the ONT. The ONT converts the traditional
voice and data electrical signals to an optical signal, and sends the optical signal through the same ODN
through the WDM, which is finally received by the OLT. The OLT then converts the optical signal back into
the corresponding electrical signals which is then processed.
A Network Interface Device (NID) is located at the customer premise in the form of an Optical Network
Termination (ONT), or Optical Network Unit (ONU). The ONT/ONU terminates the optical access network
providing direct connectivity to the feature-rich services of voice, data, and video at the customer premise.
The customer interfaces at the ONT comprise the transition from fiber to the customer premise wiring.
These interfaces are as follows: RJ-45 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for data (includes Voice over IP [VOIP]
and Video over IP [SDV]), RJ-11 for voice, and F-Connector for video.
In the early years, the high cost of building an “all optical” network limited deployments to “new” build or
“Greenfield” areas. Just as infrastructure costs have decreased, and bandwidth needs have increased,
communities and service providers are now recognizing the alternative solution to “over build” their
networks with optical fiber.
The initial investment required for optical fiber deployments is still fairly high and may require a proven
return on a particular business case. A phase by phased approach is an alternative where the optical fiber
access starts with a Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) or Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC) type of deployment either
ADSL2+ or VDSL. In the FTTN/FTTC configurations, an optical link is deployed to a remote Digital
Subscriber Line Access Mux (DSLAM) in a Service Area Interface (SAI) cabinet located near a residential
community, subdivision or business setting. The DSLAM will convert the optical signal into an electrical
signal where the services are easily transferred to existing copper facilities, and will interface directly with
an ONU at the home. Due to the shorter reach of the copper infrastructure, service providers are able to
offer higher bandwidth services without having to place the optical fiber directly to the premise. Future
FTTP configuration upgrades can be economically justified, as a natural second phase, and/or service
requirements grow. FTTN/FTTC are considered intermediate steps in providing broadband infrastructures.
Greenfield
The ultimate FTTP deployment is the Greenfield scenario in newly built areas, where there is no existing
broadband infrastructure and no constrictions exist. In new neighborhoods and planned communities, the
application of FTTP is easy to justify as initial overheads are quickly repaid; the difference in infrastructure
costs for fiber and copper is negligible, and construction costs are equivalent. Fiber greatly reduces future
maintenance costs for the physical plant, thus it makes sense to deploy fiber to residences and businesses
in Greenfield applications. Greenfield customers include:
Single-Dwelling Units (SDU) Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU).
Small Business Units (SBU) Small/Medium Business Multi-Tenant Units (MTU).
Because of the nature of these new developments, a relatively high take-rate for second phone lines, data,
and video services can be assumed, creating higher revenues and lowering the cost of deployment.
Furthermore, due to the dense populations of FTTP customers in Greenfield applications, fiber can be cost-
effectively run all the way from the CO to the Local Convergence Point (LCP), where the first passive split
can be made.
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Overbuild
The Full Overbuild scenario is an FTTP application. Where market demand for advanced data and video
services exists in serviced neighborhoods, it may be desirable to deploy fiber along with the existing copper
network. The following factors can contribute to a decision to overbuild an existing plant:
Aging infrastructure. Projected high take-rates. Competitive pressures.
Requirement for higher bandwidths than that available with the current copper technologies.
The objective of the Full Overbuild with fiber is to gradually transition all customers to the FTTP system,
while in concurrent, retiring the aging copper plant and the active infrastructure such as Digital Loop Carrier
(DLC).
Rehabilitation
The Rehabilitation scenario aims to save expenditure when there is insufficient justification for such. The
aim is identical to that of the Greenfield scenario, and all services are provided to all customer premises.
The difference is that Rehabilitation involves existing customers, served with existing services, and over an
existing copper plant. Voice and data services are provided on the copper network, and video on an
existing coaxial network, if such exists. FTTP and FTTN can be installed in close proximity to customer
premises. Should there be a need for a high-speed data, it can be provided from the FTTN network to
requesting customers prior to a direct fiber build to the customer.
Successful FTTP deployment begins with building a solid network foundation. Here, we examine the
objectives of your FTTP deployment, your network infrastructure considerations, and the operational
requirements you may face by asking informed questions: After you’ve completed this audit and
carefully examined the important aspects of FTTP deployment, call 1-866-210-1122 and let ADC
answer your tough questions.
1. Do you have plans to deploy FTTP, or are you considering deploying FTTP?
_ Deploying now
_ In the next 6 months
_ In the next year
_ Considering
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7. Have you built a business plan for FTTP? If so, what metrics do you target? (list metrics)
_ Revenue/subscriber (________________________)
_ Cost/homes passed (________________________)
_ MTTR- Mean-Time-To-Repair (____________ ___)
_ Cost/truck roll (____________________________)
_ Provisioning (______________________________)
_ Other_______________________
8. Are you actively deploying other access technologies? Please check all that apply.
_ DSL
_ Video
_ Data services
_ Voice services
_ TI/T3
_ Wireless
_ Satellite
_ Other ___________
11. What services will you offer over your FTTP network?
_ Voice
_ TR008/GR303
_ Multiple lines
_ T1/T3 (fractional T1)
_ VoIP
_ Video
_ Video overlay with On-Demand/Pay-Per-View
_ Video overlay without On-Demand/ Pay-Per-View
_ QAM 256
_ Switched digital video
_ HDTV
_ IPTV
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13. Which overall approach do you favor for your OSP network?
_ Aerial
_ Direct burial
_ Above ground cabinet
_ Above ground access terminal (pedestal)
_ Unknown
14. Which additional considerations do you favor for your OSP network?
_ Splicing
_ Connectorization
_ Combination of both
_ Unknown
_ Other _____________
16. How many “homes passed” does your FTTP network serve when fully deployed?
_ 100 or less
_ 101 to 500
_ 501 to 1000
_ 1001 to 5000
_ 5001+
18. How many total subscribers do you expect your FTTP network to serve when fully deployed?
_ 100 or less
_ 101 to 500
_ 501 to 1000
_ 1001 to 5000
_ 5001+
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19. If “currently deploying,” what percent of your potential subscribers are currently “turned up?”
_ 0%
_ 1% to 25%
_ 26% to 50%
_ 51% to 75%
_ 76+
20. How would you rate the current state of fiber expertise among your technicians?
_ Excellent: They are thoroughly trained in FTTP and understand the nuances of fiber optic cable
management and slack storage.
_ Fair: While some are experienced in FTTP, many technicians lack familiarity with the technology.
_ Poor: We need to thoroughly train most of our staff in FTTP.
21. If you could offer FTTP now, what take-rates would you anticipate?
_ Less than 10% “homes passed”
_ 10% to 24% “homes passed”
_ 25% to 49% “homes passed”
_ 50% or greater “homes passed”
What would you say are the most critical FTTP challenges for you to overcome?
1.
2.
3.
23. What right-of-way constraints or community covenants impact your infrastructure options? (i.e.
moratorium on “above ground” facilities, ROW federally mandated)
1.
2.
3.
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The mission of all the FTTH Councils in North America, Europe and Asia-Pac includes the communication
to stakeholders in our respective regions of the extent of usage of FTTH throughout the world and
forecasting the growth of FTTH.
This task has been made difficult by the proliferation of terms and acronyms that, while no doubt useful to
individual organizations for their specific purposes, lack precise definitions.
This is of particular concern when different research organizations choose their own definitions when
conducting research. As a consequence it becomes impossible to compare the research on FTTH between
different regions, or between different studies of the same region.
This document defines the terms used by all the FTTH Council’s (North-America, Europe, Asia-Pacific). To
promote consistency when commissioning or commenting on research the Councils’ members will confine
themselves to those terms defined in this document.
This document specifically aims to reduce the terms used to a subset that are well defined, adequate and
useful.
THE TERMS
Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH)
This communications path is provided for the purpose of carrying telecommunications traffic to one
or more subscribers and for one or more services (for example Internet Access, Telephony and/or
Video-Television).
This definition excludes architectures where the optical fiber terminates in private space before
reaching the home living space or business office space and where the access path continues to
the subscriber over a physical medium other than optical fiber (for example copper loops).
This definition excludes architectures where the optical fiber cable terminates in public space (for
example an operator’s street-side cabinet) and where the access path continues to the subscriber
over a physical medium other than optical fiber (for example copper loops). It is acknowledged that
other parties such as the US FCC make specific concessions for such architectures.
However, for the formal communications of the Councils, architectures that are excluded by this
definition are NOT Fiber-to-the-Home.
Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB)
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FTTB construction is a transitional form commonly used as a means to deliver services to existing
buildings in conjunction with associated FTTH construction (for example for new buildings). By
introducing fiber cables from the fiber termination point to the home living space or business office
space FTTB can be converted to full FTTH. Such a conversion is desirable as FTTH provides
better capacity and longevity than FTTB.
This communications path is provided for the purpose of carrying telecommunications traffic to one
or more subscribers and for one or more services (for example Internet Access, Telephony and/or
Video-Television).
This definition excludes architectures where the optical fiber cable terminates in public space (for
example an operator’s street-side cabinet) and where the access path continues to the subscriber
over a physical medium other than optical fiber (for example copper loops).
However, for the formal communications of the Councils, architectures that are excluded by this
definition are NOT Fiber-to-the-Building.
The cable plant which connects the operators’ premises and subscribers’ premises can be
deployed in the following different topologies:
“Point-to-Point” (P2P) cable plant provides optical paths from the telecommunications operator’s
switching equipment to a single contiguous location such that the optical paths are dedicated to
traffic to and from this single location. In generic terms this is a star topology.
“Point-to-Multipoint” (P2MP) cable plant provides branching optical paths from the
telecommunications operators switching equipment to more than one contiguous location such that
portions of the optical paths are shared by traffic to and from multiple locations. In generic terms
this is a tree topology.
“Ring” cable plant provides a sequence of optical paths in a closed loop that begins and ends at
the telecommunications operators switching equipment and connects a series of more than one
contiguous location such that portions of the optical paths are shared by traffic to and from several
locations.
A location is identified as being within the boundaries of the private property enclosing the home,
business or premise of the subscriber or set of subscribers.
Note that from these definitions it is not possible to identify the access protocol used over the cable
plant.
It is possible for a network to be built so that a common cable plant can include a mix of different
topologies, or be re-configured over time to support different topologies, to allow for mixed user
categories, to allow access diversity for reliability, and for future flexibility and network longevity.
Access Protocol
Access Protocols are the methods of communication used by the equipment located at the ends of
the optical paths to ensure reliable and effective transmission and reception of information over the
optical paths. These protocols are defined in detail by the standards organizations that have
created them, and are recognized and implemented by manufacturers around the world. These
definition of terms are to be used primarily within a Passive Optical Network (PON) where there are
no or limited active components in the field. Networks may be passive where remote huts or
cabinets are placed within a protected ring architecture and fiber may extend from these locations
directly to the subscriber premises.
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The Access Protocols in use today for FTTH Networks and the optical portion of FTTB Networks
are:
“EFM” defined as Ethernet in the First Mile or Ethernet over P2P 100baseFX, 100baseLX,
100baseBX, 1000baseLX and 1000baseBX in IEEE 802.3ah
“WDM PON” defined as a wavelength PON, not fully ratified under ITU-T at this time. Standards
are being reviewed.
“OTHER” access protocols such as proprietary or pre-standard access protocols may be noted for
the purpose of completeness in research.
Network Usage
FTTH/FTTB Networks may be dedicated to the services of a single retail service provider, or made
available to many retail service providers, who may connect to the network at the packet,
wavelength or physical layer.
“Exclusive Access” refers to the situation where a single retail service provider has exclusive use
of the FTTH network.
“Open Access (Packet)” refers to the situation where multiple retail service providers may use the
FTTH Network by connecting at a packet layer interface and compete to offer their services to end
users.
“Open Access (Wavelength)” refers to the situation where multiple retail or wholesale service
providers may use the FTTH Network by connecting at a wavelength layer interface and compete
to offer their services.
“Open Access (Fiber)” refers to the situation where multiple retail or wholesale service providers
may use the FTTH Network by connecting at a physical layer (“dark” fiber) interface and compete
to offer their services.
“Open Access (Duct)” refers to the situation where multiple retail or wholesale service providers
may share the use of a duct network covering a substantial region by drawing or blowing their fiber
cables through the shared ducts, and compete to offer their services.
User Categories
“Residential” refers to private users in their homes. Residential users may live in “MDU” (multi-
dwelling units such as apartments/condominiums) or “SFU” (single family dwelling units such as
stand-alone houses/villas/landed property).
“Business” refers to large (corporate), medium, and small (Small Business, Small Office Home
Office) business users. Businesses may occupy “MTU” (multi-tenanted units such as office
blocks/towers) or “STU” (single-tenanted units such as a stand-alone office building or
warehouse).
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NETWORK SIZE
The number of “Homes/Premises Passed” is the number of residential and business premises to
which an operator can currently deliver FTTH access within the operator’s standard service
activation period (for example 30 days) should the owners/occupiers sign a contract for an access
service. Typically new service activation will require the installation and/or connection of a drop
cable from the street or basement to the home or office, and the installation of subscriber premises
equipment. The network that is determined to be “drop ready” is considered to be a
Homes/Premises Passed.”
This definition excludes premises that cannot be connected without further installation of
substantial cable plant such as feeder and distribution cables to reach the area in which a potential
new subscriber is located.
The “Take-up Rate” or “Take Rate” for a network is calculated by the simple division of
“Home/Premises Connected” by “Home/Premises Passed”, and is expressed as a percentage.
SERVICES
“Internet” refers to use of the Public Internet for exchanging email, web-browsing, etc.
“Voice” refers to the exchange of human conversations by use of “IP” or “Other” encoding and
transport protocols. (This category does not include Voice carried over the Public Internet.)
“Video” refers to the exchange of visual material by use of “IP”, “RF” (carried via a separate
optical wavelength) or “Other” encoding and transport protocols. (This category does not include
Video carried over the Public Internet.)
“Internet Video” Internet video is defined as any video being delivered using IP protocols over the
internet. The video can range from download to streaming content. The video can also come in
many forms ranging from standard MPEG2 and MPEG4 to WMV, AVI and MOV. It could also
include raw digital video. The video can be supplied by any server on the internet. Most of these
systems are open and available to anyone on the internet. Some may require membership or user
login.
“IPTV (IP-based TV)” The transmission of TV programs from private Internet providers such as
cable and telephone companies or from a Web site using IP protocols over an IP network. Also
called "TV over IP" or “Video over IP,” IPTV uses streaming video techniques to deliver scheduled
TV programs. Unlike transmitting over the air or via standard cable to a TV set, IPTV uses the IP
protocol as the delivery transport and requires a user’s device (Set Top Box or Mobile Video
Device) to decode the images in real-time. In the IPTV environment, the user only receives the
“channel’ that is being viewed.
“IPTV Broadcast Video (IBV)” A set of network devices that encode broadcast channels, such as
ESPN, CNN, History Channel, network broadcasts (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, etc.), Discover
Channel, Disney, etc., using MPEG2 or MPEG4 encoding and distributed using IP multicast
protocols over an IP network. These IP streams are transported over a broadband connection to
the user and decoded at the user’s device (Set Top Box or Mobile Video Device). The multicast
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streams for a specific broadcast maybe different for the STB and the Mobile Video device. This
would allow the BVS to provide encoding for a specific type of device.
“IPTV Distribution System” The system used to distribute IPTV ‘channels’ from the Broadcast
Video Server to the end users. The system consists of the headend (video acquisition system,
encoders & video on demand servers), content management & Digital Rights Management (DRM),
and IP fiber backbone & edge routers. The distribution system also includes a set of protocols used
for content delivery to the end user. These protocols can be open, standard, proprietary, or a
combination. This system is closed and available only to subscribers.
“Personal Video Recorder” This is a device that allows trick plays on live content by recording all
content to a hard drive. May be local (in the Set top) or in the network. Initial offering by TiVO.
Video on Demand (VoD): Video on Demand systems allow users to select and watch stored video
content over an IP network as part of an interactive television system. VOD systems are either
"streaming", in which the video is streamed over the IP network to the user, or "download", in which
the program is downloaded in its entirety to the user’s device (Set Top Box or Mobile Video Device)
before viewing starts. VoD uses unicast IP protocols to deliver the Video to the end user. Video on
Demand systems allow the user to pause, fast forward, fast rewind, slow forward, slow rewind,
jump to previous/future frame etc (trick play)
CONCLUSION
The intention of this document is to make it possible for Council Members and the FTTH industry to speak
a common language when discussing FTTH statistics and network characteristics.
No doubt Council members and other stakeholders will feel the need to use a wide range of terms for
technical solutions, concepts, and models. This document does not discourage this activity, as it is inherent
in the free flow of communication on which our industry thrives.
However to be successful, the terms defined in this document must be used frequently and consistently.
Thus all Council Members and other stakeholders such as operators, analysts, journalists, and government
and regulatory staff are encouraged to use these terms as the well-defined vocabulary that underpins the
more general expressions.
With regards to Market Research however, in order for research by different organizations conducted in the
same or different regions to be meaningfully compared, it is essential that these terms are used and no
others.
Design Questions
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Typically with any change in infrastructure, there are a number of assumptions or design questions that will
arise. Below are only a few:
1. How many homes do you plan to serve out of each local convergence PON cabinet?
• Is the Serving Area Greenfield or Overbuild Area?
• If this is an Overbuild Area, are you overbuilding yourself or your competitor?
• Is the Serving Area a single family or multi dwelling development or mix?
• For Greenfield applications, is the Serving Area being developed in phases?
• What is the total Serving Area Size?
• Are the Serving Area Size and Distribution Area (DA) Size the same? (If different,
explain.)
2. Are you planning on “sparing” any fibers for the Feeder (F1) Fiber and/or the Distribution (F2)
Fiber?
• For Feeder Fiber sparing, there is no “rule-of-thumb” for count and size. Typically, the
sparing in the feeder fiber is accomplished by capitalizing on the buffer tube count.
(i.e. The PON Cabinet that serves 216 subscribers. For this style of Cabinet, you
would need 6.75 feeder fibers [216/32=6.75]. You will probably use some sparing of
the Distribution (F2) fiber so in providing services for say, 192 subscribers, you will
need only six (2) Feeder (F2) Fibers. However, connectorized and/or splice input
feeder trays accept twelve (12) fibers (one buffer tube), and the buffer tube fiber
count is generally twelve (12) fibers. Here, you would use this count, six (6) fibers for
the distribution serving area (SA), and six (6) fibers as spare.)
• Service Providers today use sparing within the distribution (F2) on the order of 1.125
to 1.5 fibers per subscriber. Cabinets can be sized at 1.2 fibers per home (In some
cases, up to 1.5 fibers per home.) (i. e. Example 1: The Cabinets that have two (2)
72-port pre-terminated panels for 144 distribution fibers. The centralized splitter
configuration calls for four (4) 1x32 splitter couplers which will account for 128
subscribers. Here, we have 1.125 fibers per subscriber. Example 2: Another Cabinet
has three (3) 72-port pre-terminated panels for 216 distribution fibers. The centralized
splitter configuration calls for six (6) 1x32 splitter couplers which will account for 192
subscribers. Here again, we have 1.125 fibers per subscriber.) In both Example 1
and Example 2, the service provider is sparing within the cabinets. Some sparing
may actually be in the distribution (F2) fiber itself. In Example 2, the cabinet supports
216 subscribers (only 192 subscribers used), where the distribution (F2) fiber count
may be a 288-count fiber. Here, this will show 288/192=1.5 fibers per subscriber.
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With any project in the Outside Plant, additional assumptions may need to be understood. Below are just a
few assumptions that may arise during the initial design stages.
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The governing body of BellCore (Telcordia) has determined through GR-909 that specific definitions and
practices for FTTH should be followed. Below are the most current definitions provided by Telcordia.
• Application Environment: Residential and Small Business (large multi-dwelling unit and
multi-tenant unit applications may be added in future.) From an earlier slide detailing end
customers, for the residential community, the Segments, Services and Interfaces will include
the Single Family and MDU Markets, while the business community will include the Retail and
MTU Markets.
• ONT Definition: An ONT is an ONU which is the customer network interface device (NID)
located on customer premises that serves a single LEC customer.
• ONT Ownership: ONTs are network equipment owned by the LEC, but in the future, may
become part of the customer-owned equipment.
• ONT Powering: Primary and backup powering of ONTs is provided by the customer.
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• Digital Video Support with an Analog Video Overlay: If an analog video overlay is
supported, digital video services will by provided via sub-carrier multiplexing on the AM-VSB
system and not using baseband digital video transport on the FITL system. The RF Return can
be provided as an IP return for VOD services.
• FTTB Definition – Fiber-to-the-Building, here the ONU is either attached to or located within a
building and serves multiple LEC customers. Applications include residential multi-dwelling unit
(MDU) and business multi-tenet unit (MTU) buildings.
In order to select the correct fiber optic cable design for one’s planned application, the following should be
asked and determined:
“Is the planned infrastructure to be aerial, buried, or underground plant, or a combination of two, or all
three?”
“Are there specific cable designs for each type of plant infrastructure?” The answer is no! The present day
cable construction, both dielectric and metallic, can be used in aerial, buried, or underground plant.
The dielectric cable requires no protection from foreign voltages, lightning strikes, etc., plus the sheath
preparation time is much less than metallic.
The metallic cable design requires the application of bonding and grounding hardware to provide a field of
safety for those who work on these cable sheaths, as well as protection of the electronic equipment that the
cable connects to on each end.
The selection process for feeder, backbone/trunk, distribution cables, and the connecting drop wire.
FEEDER CABLE
In making the first step toward selecting the proper feeder cable design, what are the key considerations?
A. When high-count fiber cables are required (such as 144 fibers to 864 fibers) the DriTube ribbon
cable design will provide high productivity when applied with the mass fusion splicing method. It will
also utilize minimal splice closure space.
B. Fiber requirements below the 144f count can be packaged in a DriCore loose-tube design. The
benefits of mass fusion splicing can still be attained in using this cable, by applying the ribbonizing
method to the individual fibers contained within the buffer tubes.
C. The central office or head-end patch-panel terminations are best served by being equipped with
DriTube ribbon cables, in both an FT-4 cable design (OFNR) (Sumitomo) and an Indoor/Outdoor
cable design. The use of this cable design will enhance productivity of labor through the mass
fusion splicing method.
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As one gets deeper into the network, the use of backbone / trunk cables (96 fibers to 288 fibers) is utilized
to distribute the feeder fibers. This cable can serve as a combination backbone / trunk cable and a
distribution cable. When selecting the correct cable design for this application, the following should be
considered.
A. When deploying any type of cross-connect housing, splitter housing, etc., most stubs from these
types of apparatus are equipped as ribbon cable. Here again the benefits of mass fusion splicing
are achieved when the backbone / trunk cables meet the stubs of these units.
B. The design of the distribution terminals that are being deployed in concert with the stubbed
products, will also have an impact on selecting the cable design to use in the backbone / trunk
application. Those terminals with ribbon fanouts will mate well with ribbon cables, while those
terminals equipped with single fusion pigtails (when less than four pigtails) will mate well with
loose-tube cables.
DISTRIBUTION CABLE
Within the deepest area of the network lies the distribution area, where fiber counts of 12 to 72 fibers are
typical. In determining which cable design to apply, ribbon DriTube, Loose-Tube DriCore, or filled central
tube Bundle cable, the design of the terminal and its splicing method should be considered. The following
information should be relevant in selecting a cable product:
A. Aerial Taut Sheath Splicing. In selecting a loose-tube cable for this application, the spacing of and
the identification method for the ROL (reverse oscillation lay) of the buffer tubes, is important. The
unraveling of the buffer tubes at the ROL will provide the maximum in fiber slack during the splicing
operation.
B. In using the ribbon product in this scenario, there is no need to locate a rol-type location. When
compared to the buffer tube accessing operation, the ribbon design yields less fiber slack. The
access time to reach fibers in the loose-tube and ribbon cable is about the same.
C. When selecting the filled central tube bundled cable, here again there is no need to locate a rol-
type location. There is also no need to spend time accessing packaging such as a buffer tube or
ribbon, to get at the individual fibers. The fiber slack yield is comparable to that of loose tube
cables.
Slack Available in Aerial, Buried, and Underground Splicing Operations. Where cable slack is provided
during the placing operation, the choice of loose-tube , ribbon, or bundled cables is influenced by the
following:
The final step in building an FTTP / FTTH connection is to select the proper drop wire for use in this
application which brings the customer to the service structure. The choices are as follows:
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The termination methods of pre connectorized; raw-end splice to fiber; raw-end splice to pigtail; are all
common with the four designs listed above.
For aerial drop wire applications, the following information must be known.
• What storm loading area applies? Heavy, medium, or light.
• What span lengths are there to be met?
• What flammability standard is required?
• What is the attachment hardware preference?
• What sheath access tools are required?
• What are the bonding and grounding requirements of the area?
For the buried drop wire application, which can be plowed, trenched, or pulled into conduit, the following is
information that should be known when selecting between the two designs.
• Is the drop wire required to be locatable?
• If the drop wire is not required to be locatable, the standard dielectric drop should be selected.
Due to the topology of PON, the transmission modes for downstream (i.e., from OLT to ONT) and upstream
(i.e., from ONT to OLT) are different. For the downstream transmission, the OLT broadcasts optical signal
to all the ONTs in continuous mode (CM), i.e., the downstream channel always has optical data signal.
However, in the upstream channel, ONTs can not transmit optical data signal in CM. It is because that all
the signals transmitted from the ONTs converge (with attenuation) into one fiber by the power splitter
(serving as power coupler), and overlap among themselves if CM is used. To solve this problem, burst
mode (BM) transmission is adopted for upstream channel. The given ONT only transmits optical packet
when it is allocated a time slot and it needs to transmit, and all the ONTs share the upstream channel in the
time division multiplexing (TDM) mode. The phases of the BM optical packets received by the OLT are
different from packet to packet, since the ONTs are not synchronized to transmit optical packet in the same
phase, and the distance between OLT and given ONT are random. Besides the characteristics of random
phases in the burst mode packets, the other issue is about the amplitudes of the received packets. Since
the distance between the OLT and ONTs are not fixed, the optical packets received by the OLT have
different amplitudes, supposing the transmitted optical powers of the packets at ONT sides are similar. In
order to compensate the phase variation and amplitude variation in a short time (e.g., within 40 ns for
GPON), burst mode clock and data recovery (BM-CDR) and burst mode amplifier (e.g., burst mode TIA)
need to be employed, respectively. Furthermore, the BM transmission mode requires the transmitter works
in burst mode, and such burst mode transmitter shall be able to turn on and off in short time. The below
three kinds of circuitries in PON are quite different from their counterparts in the point-to-point continuous
mode optical communication link.
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PON Glossary
Below is a glossary of terms that are frequently used within the PON environment. It contains many
of the terms also associated with various parts of the Access Network of which PON is one type.
Access Network
The method, time, circuit, or facility used to enter the network. The service provided by local exchange carriers or
alternate access providers, which connect an interexchange carrier with its customers. The Access Network today is
predominantly passive twisted pair copper wiring.
ADM
Add/Drop Multiplexer capable of extracting or inserting lower-bit-rate signal from a higher-bit-rate multiplexed signal
without completely demultiplexing the signal.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line transmits data asymmetrically meaning the bandwidth usage is much higher in one
direction than the other. Typical ADSL applications transmit 8 Mbps downstream and 768Kbps upstream, depending on
the length of the local twisted pair loop. This is particularly beneficial for residential Internet access, remote access and
video on demand because downstream usage far exceeds upstream usage.
ADSL2+
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Two Plus (ADSL2+) extends the capability of basic ADSL by doubling the number
of downstream bits. The data rates can be as high as 24 Mbit/s downstream and 1 Mbit/s upstream depending on the
distance from the DSLAM to the customer's home.
ADSL2+ is capable of doubling the frequency band of typical ADSL connections from 1.1 MHz to 2.2 MHz. This
doubles the downstream data rates of the previous ADSL2 standard of up to 12 Mbit/s, but like the previous standards
will degrade from its peak bitrate after a certain distance.
Also ADSL2+ allows port bonding. This is where multiple ports are physically provisioned to the end user and the total
bandwidth is equal to the sum of all provisioned ports. So if 2 lines capable of 24 Mbit/s were bonded the end result
would be a connection capable of 48 Mbit/s. Not all DSLAM Vendors have implemented this functionality. ADSL2+ port
bonding is also known as g.998.x or g.Bond
APON
An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) based Passive Optical Network (PON).
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode is a connection-oriented service that segments data into a succession of small units
called cells. Data transmitted from multiple sources is segmented into cells by the ATM network device, and the cells
are then interleaved onto a single transmission media. It is asynchronous in the sense that the recurrence of cells
depends upon the required or instantaneous bit rate. See also TDM and packet switching.
Backbone
The part of a network used as the primary path for transporting traffic between network segments. A high-speed line -
or series of connections - that forms a major pathway within a network.
Bandwidth
The throughput, or ability to move information through or from a device, system or subsystem tem, usually measured in
quantities of data per second. A measure of the information-carrying capacity of a communications channel; range of
usable frequencies that can be carried by a system, corresponding to the difference between the lowest and highest
frequency signal that can be carried by the channel.
BLEC
Building Local Exchange Carrier
B-PON
Broadband Passive Optical Network (PON)
Broadcast
One-to-all transmission where the source sends one copy of the message to all nodes, whether they wish to receive it
or not.
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CATV
CATV (originally "community antenna television," now often "community access television") is more commonly known
as "cable TV." In addition to bringing television programs to those millions of people throughout the world who are
connected to a community antenna, cable TV is an increasingly popular way to interact with the World Wide Web and
other new forms of multimedia information and entertainment services.
Cell
A unit of transmission in ATM. A fixed-size frame consisting of a 5-octet header and a 48-octet payload.
CO
The Central Office is where communications common carriers terminate customer lines and locate switching equipment
that interconnects those lines. Also, considered a location where Switching, Transmission and Power equipment that
provide telephone service is centralized.
Coaxial Cable
A type of cable with a center conductor, an insulator, a solid or braided shield around this insulator with a tough jacket
on the outside. The inner insulation provides a constant distance between the center conductor and the shielding,
providing a superior quality signal over longer distances, which gives higher bandwidth and better immunity to external
interference than simple twisted pair cable provides.
Core Network
See backbone
Coupler
Fused fiber device that optically splits and multiplexes signals. The couplers used in the PON outside plant network are
basically power splitter wherein the power from the OLT is sent into different branches of the network to feed the ONTs
based upon their distance from the OLT. Another type of coupler/splitter is used to separate the incoming and outgoing
signals into their respective wavelengths at the OLT and ONT. This is a WDM coupler/splitter and is sometimes
referred to as an optical multiplexer/deplexer.
CSMA/CA
In computer networking, CSMA/CA belongs to a class of protocols called multiple access methods. CSMA/CA stands
for: Carrier Sense Multiple Access With Collision Avoidance. In CSMA, a station wishing to transmit has to first
listen to the channel for a predetermined amount of time so as to check for any activity on the channel. If the channel is
sensed "idle" then the station is permitted to transmit. If the channel is sensed as "busy" the station has to defer its
transmission. This is the essence of both CSMA/CA and CSMA/CD. In CSMA/CA (LocalTalk), once the channel is
clear, a station sends a signal telling all other stations not to transmit, and then sends its packet. In Ethernet 802.11,
the station continues to wait for a time, and checks to see if the channel is still free. If it is free, the station transmits,
and waits for an acknowledgment signal that the packet was received.
CSMA/CA is a modification of pure Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA). Collision avoidance is used to improve the
performance of CSMA by attempting to be less "greedy" on the channel. If the channel is sensed busy before
transmission then the transmission is deferred for a "random" interval. This reduces the probability of collisions on the
channel.
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CSMA/CA is used where CSMA/CD cannot be implemented due to the nature of the channel. CSMA/CA is used in
802.11 based wireless LANs. One of the problems of wireless LANs is that it is not possible to listen while sending,
therefore collision detection is not possible. Another reason is the hidden terminal problem, whereby a node A, in range
of the receiver R, is not in range of the sender S, and therefore cannot know that S is transmitting to R.
CSMA/CA can optionally be supplemented by the exchange of a Request to Send (RTS) packet sent by the sender S,
and a Clear to Send (CTS) packet sent by the intended receiver R, alerting all nodes within range of the sender, the
receiver, or both, to keep quiet for the duration of the main packet. This is known as the IEEE 802.11 RTS/CTS
exchange.
CSMA/CD
In computer networking, Carrier Sense Multiple Access With Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) is a network control
protocol in which
Collision detection is used to improve CSMA performance by terminating transmission as soon as a collision is
detected, and reducing the probability of a second collision on retry.
Methods for collision detection are media dependent, but on an electrical bus such as Ethernet, collisions can be
detected by comparing transmitted data with received data. If they differ, another transmitter is overlaying the first
transmitter's signal (a collision), and transmission terminates immediately. A jam signal is sent which will cause all
transmitters to back off by random intervals, reducing the probability of a collision when the first retry is attempted.
CSMA/CD is a layer 2 protocol in the OSI model.
Ethernet is the classic CSMA/CD protocol. See also the similar Carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance
(CSMA/CA) protocol.
CWDM
Coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) is a method of combining multiple signals on laser beams at various
wavelengths for transmission along fiber optic cables, such that the number of channels is fewer than in dense
wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) but more than in standard wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).
CWDM systems have channels at wavelengths spaced 20 nanometers (nm) apart, compared with 0.4 nm spacing for
DWDM. This allows the use of low-cost, uncooled lasers for CWDM. In a typical CWDM system, laser emissions occur
on eight channels at eight defined wavelengths: 1610 nm, 1590 nm, 1570 nm, 1550 nm, 1530 nm, 1510 nm, 1490 nm,
and 1470 nm. But up to 18 different channels are allowed, with wavelengths ranging down to 1270 nm.
The energy from the lasers in a CWDM system is spread out over a larger range of wavelengths than is the energy
from the lasers in a DWDM system. The tolerance (extent of wavelength imprecision or variability) in a CWDM laser is
up to ± 3 nm, whereas in a DWDM laser the tolerance is much tighter. Because of the use of lasers with lower
precision, a CWDM system is less expensive and consumes less power than a DWDM system. However, the maximum
realizable distance between nodes is smaller with CWDM
Dark Fiber
Dark fiber refers to unused fiber-optic cable. Often times companies lay more lines than what's needed in order to curb
costs of having to do it again and again. The dark strands can be leased to individuals or other companies who want to
establish optical connections among their own locations. In this case, the fiber is neither controlled by nor connected to
the phone company. Instead, the company or individual provides the necessary components to make it functional.
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dBm
Decibels in Milliwatts (dBm)
Again, for the design engineer who is designing for the Passive Optical Network, the power out for most of the
electronics is typically stated as decibels in Milliwatts, or dBm. Here, you see a table that is expressed in milliwatts of
power, and the conversion to dBm. For most of us, when we talk about the optical power as in a system output power
of 1 milliwatt, what we are saying is that the output power is 0 dBm. When we start calculating the link loss budget of a
network in combination with the receiver specifications dictated by the active component providers we may think that if
we increase the output power so the attenuation or loss is negated, then we can go unlimited distances with unlimited
bandwidths. Because of some dispersion and scattering concepts, this is not so. Also in our link loss calculations, we
will see when using the video overlay on the 1550 nanometer wavelength, the output power of the electronics will be
stated as approximately 20 dBm or 100 milliwatts. 20 dBm of power is in the classification of lasers that can cause
injury.
DLC
Digital Loop Carrier
DS0
Digital Signal level Zero: One 64 Kb channel
DS1
Digital Signal level 1: 24 data channels (64 Kb) and 8 Kb for signaling; total data rate of 1.544 Mbps
DS3
Digital Signal level 3: 28 DS1s encapsulated; 44.736 Mbps data rate.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line is a method of providing high-speed data services over the twisted pair copper wires
traditionally used to provide POTS. Types of DSL include ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line), HDSL (high data
rate digital subscriber line), SDSL (single line digital subscriber line), and VDSL (very high data rate digital subscriber
line).
DSLAM
Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer Provides high-speed Internet or Intranet access over traditional twisted-pair
telephone wiring through the use of ADSL technology. Provides simultaneous high-speed digital data access and
POTS analog service over the same twisted-pair telephone line. Can be installed in the CO or at and ISP adjacent to
the CO
DWDM
Dense Wave Division Multiplexing is an optical multiplexing technique used to increase the carrying capacity of a fiber
network beyond what can currently be accomplished by time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques. Different
wavelengths of light are used to transmit multiple streams of information along a single fiber with minimal interference.
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Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is a technology that puts data from different sources together on an
optical fiber, with each signal carried at the same time on its own separate light wavelength. Using DWDM, up to 80
(and theoretically more) separate wavelengths or channels of data can be multiplexed into a lightstream transmitted on
a single optical fiber. Each channel carries a time division multiplexed (TDM) signal. In a system with each channel
carrying 2.5 Gbps (billion bits per second), up to 200 billion bits can be delivered a second by the optical fiber. DWDM
is also sometimes called wave division multiplexing (WDM).
Since each channel is demultiplexed at the end of the transmission back into the original source, different data formats
being transmitted at different data rates can be transmitted together. Specifically, Internet (IP) data, Synchronous
Optical Network data (SONET), and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) data can all be travelling at the same time
within the optical fiber.
DWDM promises to solve the "fiber exhaust" problem and is expected to be the central technology in the all-optical
networks of the future.
DWS
DWS (Dynamic Wave Slicing™) extends WDM (Wave Division Multiplexing) by "slicing" each wavelength so that it can
serve multiple end points (customers). This provides a division of available bandwidth over a PON by enabling a single
fiber segment to allocate bandwidth to multiple customers according to their particular needs (from 1.7 to 100 Mbps in
1.7 Mbps increments). This provides effective utilization of the total capacity of the fiber optic media.
Easement
An easement is the right to use another person's land for a stated purpose. It can involve a general or specific portion
of the property.
EPON
Ethernet based Passive Optical Network (PON). (IEEE 802.3ah) Ratified in 2004, EPON is the standard of the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE). Running at 1.25 Gbps symmetric, it is highly suitable for data
services. EPON uses IP rather than ATM data encapsulation.
Ethernet
A LAN used to connect devices within a single building or campus at speeds up to 10 Mbps. Within the OSI model,
Ethernet is defined at layer one (physical) and layer two (data link). Based on Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision
Detection (CSMA/CD), Ethernet works by simply checking the wire before sending data. Sometimes two stations send
at precisely the same time in which case a collision is detected and retransmission is attempted.
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Fibre Channel
Fibre Channel is an industry standard technology for transmitting data between computer devices at up to 1.0625 Gbps
and over 10 km in distance. Fibre Channel is optimized for connecting servers to shared storage devices and for
interconnecting storage controllers and drives. Fibre Channel utilizes either an optical fiber or copper connection.
FTTB
Fiber to the Business/Basement
FTTC
Fiber to the Curb/Cabinet Fiber to the curb (FTTC) is a telecommunications system based on fiber-optic cables run to a
platform that serves several customers. Each of these customers has a connection to this platform via coaxial cable or
twisted pair.
Fiber to the curb allows delivery of broadband services such as high speed internet. High speed communications
protocols such as broadband cable access (typically DOCSIS) or some form of DSL are used between the cabinet and
the customers. The data rates vary according to the exact protocol used and according to how close the customer is to
the cabinet.
FTTC is subtly distinct from FTTN or FTTP (all are versions of Fiber in the Loop). The chief difference is the placement
of the cabinet. FTTC will be placed near the "curb" which differs from FTTN which is placed far from the customer and
FTTP which is placed right at the serving location.
Unlike the competing fiber to the premises (FTTP) technology, fiber to the curb can use the existing coaxial or twisted
pair infrastructure to provide last mile service. For this reason, fiber to the curb costs less to deploy. However, it also
has lower bandwidth potential than fiber to the premises.
In the United States of America, the largest deployment of FTTC was carried out by BellSouth Telecommunications.
With the acquisition of BellSouth by AT&T, deployment of FTTC will end. Future deployments will be based on either
[5]
FTTN or FTTP. Existing FTTC plant may be removed and replaced with FTTP.
FTTN
Fiber to the Node (FTTN), also called fiber to the neighborhood or fiber to the cabinet (FTTCab),[3] is a
telecommunication architecture based on fiber-optic cables run to a cabinet serving a neighborhood. Customers
connect to this cabinet using traditional coaxial cable or twisted pair wiring. The area served by the cabinet is usually
less than 1,500 m in radius and can contain several hundred customers. (If the cabinet serves an area of less than 300
m in radius then the architecture is typically called fiber to the curb.)[4]
Fiber to the node allows delivery of broadband services such as high speed internet. High speed communications
protocols such as broadband cable access (typically DOCSIS) or some form of DSL are used between the cabinet and
the customers. The data rates vary according to the exact protocol used and according to how close the customer is to
the cabinet.
Unlike the competing fiber to the premises (FTTP) technology, fiber to the node can use the existing coaxial or twisted
pair infrastructure to provide last mile service. For this reason, fiber to the node costs less to deploy. However, it also
has lower bandwidth potential than fiber to the premises.
FTTX
Fiber to the "x" c/b/h/k
FSAN
Full Service Access Network. is a forum for the worlds leading telecommunications services providers and equipment
suppliers to work towards a common goal of truly broadband access networks. For more information visit
http://www.fsanet.net
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Gigabit Ethernet
Another variation of the Ethernet protocol, is capable of transmitting data at one billion bits per second. This standard
may eventually challenge ATM and Frame Relay as the high-speed LAN topology of choice, but, at present, ATM and
Frame Relay still offer Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees that Gigabit Ethernet cannot match. Gigabit Ethernet can
use high-quality copper wire at distances of less than 25 meters and optical fiber cabling for greater distances.
GEPON
Giga-Bit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (See EPON)
Headend
MSO (CATV) telecommunications office
HDSL
Unlike ADSL, High Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL) is a symmetric method of transmitting data at rates up to
1.5 Mbps in both directions. Because of the symmetric properties, the highest transmission rates can only be supported
at lengths of 15,000-foot distances of two or more twisted pair lines.
HPNA
Home Phone Networking Alliance seeks to establish standards for home networking over regular coax and phone lines
within the home - for compatibility between telecom, computer and network products. HomePNA is a relatively new
technology, which allows you to network your home computers much like a LAN using your existing telephone wiring.
Internet access can be shared among several computers with or without a router. Computers can access each other’s
peripherals like printers and storage devices as well as the ability to play multiplayer games. HomePNA uses
frequencies different from voice or fax calls while conducting data across the phone line.
Coaxial cables are included in the HomePNA 3.1 standard to increase the networking capabilities and overcome some
limitations of phone jack location. It's not clear if this part of HomePNA 3.1 specification will be included in ITU G.9954
(01/07) or in any specification another standard body or will remain available only to HomePNA members.
ICP
Integrated Communications Provider (e.g. ATG)
IOT
Intelligent Optical Terminal
ISP
Internet Service Provider
ITU
International Telecommunications Union
IAD
Integrated Access Device
Lambda (l)
Greek symbol used to signify wavelength.
Last Mile
The last mile is the local access network that extends from the Central Office (CO) to the end-user subscriber. Also
called the local loop network, it is traditionally copper-based and suffers from the bandwidth limitations of that media.
Leased Line
A physical line that a single subscriber leases from a carrier, giving the subscriber exclusive rights to the line's capacity.
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Line (SONET)
A transmission medium, together with the associated Line Terminating Equipment (LTE), required to provide the
means of transporting information between two consecutive line terminating network elements, one of which originates
the line signal and the other terminates the line signal.
The goal of the Multimedia over Coax Alliance is to facilitate home networking on existing coaxial cable in the 1 GHz
microwave band. This cable can be used for data connections to televisions, set top boxes, and other entertainment
devices without the need for new connections. The technology underlying MoCA provides the elements necessary to
use this cable to distribute high-quality multimedia content and high-speed data with throughput exceeding 100 Mbit/s.
MoCA is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation to develop and promote specifications for the transport of digital
entertainment and information content over coaxial cable. MoCA members have agreed as part of membership to
license under reasonable and non discriminatory (RAND) terms any intellectual property required for member
companies to implement the MoCA Specification.
Metro Network
A network spanning a geographical area greater than a LAN but less than a WAN (Wide Area Network). IEEE 802.6
specifies the protocols and cabling for a MAN.
MTU/MDU
Multiple Tenant Unit/Multiple Dwelling Unit - a building with more than one residence or business.
MSO
Multiple Systems Operator (i.e., CATV company)
Multi-mode Fiber
Optical fiber supporting propagation of multiple modes of light. Multimode fibers have a larger core diameter than single
mode fibers.
Multi-Cast
The ability of one network node to send identical data to a number of end-points. (Usually associated with multicast
video techniques where the source will send a single stream and multiple end-points will accept the stream.)
Transmission of information to a group of recipients via a single transmission by the source, in contrast to unicast or
broadcast. In IP multicast, there is a one-to-many transmission, where a host may join or leave a group at any time.
Multiplex
A general concept that refers to combining independent sources of information into a form that can be transmitted over
a single communication channel. Multiplexing can occur both in hardware (i.e., electrical signals can be multiplexed)
and in software (i.e., protocol software can accept messages sent by multiple application programs and send them over
a single network to different destinations).
NGDLC
Next Generation Digital Loop Carrier
OAN
Optical Access Networking
OAS
Optical Access Switch
OC-#
Short for Optical Carrier, used to specify the speed of fiber optic networks conforming to the SONET standard. The
table shows the speeds for common OC levels.
OC-1 = 51.85 Mbps OC-3 = 155.52 Mbps OC-12 = 622.08 Mbps OC-24 = 1.244 Gbps
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ODN
The Optical Distribution Network is the optical fiber access network usually used to describe the PON Network, the
outside plant (OSP). The ODN consists of but is not limited to the optical fiber, optical distribution cabinets, splitters,
and optical access points.
ODSI
Optical Domain Service Interconnect is an open, informal initiative comprised of service providers and networking
vendors. ODSI represents a coalition of networking professionals with a common interest in selecting, applying and
promoting the open interfaces and protocols that will allow higher-layer service networks to effectively interoperate with
the intelligent optical network core. http://www.odsi-coalition.com. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) A logical
structure for network operations standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). The OSI model
organizes the communications process into seven different categories and places the categories in a layered sequence
based on their relationship to other users. Layers, seven through four, deal with end-to-end communications between
the message source and the message destination, while layers three through one deal with network access.
OLT
The optical line termination is the PON controller card or unit located at the CO. The terminal at the subscriber’s end of
the network is the ONT or optical network terminal. Several OLTs may be located in a single chassis. The laser at the
OLT is frequently a DFB (distributed-feedback laser) transmitting at 1490nm and is always on. Signals from the OLT
tell the ONTs when to send upstream traffic to it.
ONT
The optical network termination resides at the subscriber’s end of the PON. It provides the interface between the
network and the subscriber’s equipment. Frequently the laser used at the ONT is a Fabry Perot type and operates at
1310nm and only transmits when given permission by the OLT.
OSP
Outside Plant (See ODN)
Path (SONET)
A path at a given bit rate is a logical connection between the point at which a standard frame format for the signal is
assembled, and the point at which the standard frame format for the signal is disassembled.
Payload
The data in an ATM cell or IP packets that subscribers want to access (the message, conversation, file, etc.). The term
payload is used to distinguish the subscriber's data from the "overhead," which is data in an ATM cell or IP packet that
network equipment tacks on to the payload to help guide its transmission across the network.
PBX
Private Branch Exchange
PON
A Passive Optical Network (PON) is made up of fiber optic cabling and passive splitters and couplers that distribute an
optical signal through a branched "tree" topology to connectors that terminate each fiber segment. Compared to other
access technologies, PON eliminates much of the installation, maintenance, and management expenses needed to
connect to customer premises. Per the FSAN specifications PON is a point to multipoint system with one OLT at the
central office servicing up to 32 ONTs. The system is single fiber with downstream traffic sent in the 1550 nm
wavelength window and upstream traffic being sent in the 1310 wavelength window. This is an example of Bi-
directional transmission on a single fiber. Sometimes the PON is called B-PON, which indicates it is a Broadband PON.
Also it can be an APON, which is an ATM based PON or an EPON, which is an Ethernet based PON.
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Right-of-Way - A right-of-way is a type of easement that gives someone the right to travel across property owned by
another person.
Router
A computer that directs bundles of data being transmitted between nodes on different networks.
RT
Remote Terminal
Scalable
The ability to add power and capability to an existing system without significant expense or overhead.
SONET
Synchronous Optical Network
Standards for transmitting digital information over optical networks. It defines a physical interface, optical line rates
known as Optical Carrier (OC) signals, frame formats and a OAM&P (Operations, Administration, Maintenance and
Provisioning) protocol. The base rate is known as OC-1 and runs at 51.84 Mbps. Higher rates are a multiple of this
such that OC-12 is equal to 622 Mbps (12 times 51.84 Mbps)
STS-1
Synchronous Transport Signal 1 - Electrical SONET signal at 51.84 Mbps.
T1
Refers to a networking standard capable of transmitting data at a rate of 1.54-Mbps. This protocol is commonly
employed by very large enterprises such as telecommunications companies, the Internet backbone and connections
from Internet service providers to the Internet backbone
T3
A faster implementation of T1. Using coaxial cable, T3 allows for data transmission rates of 45 Mbps and is used for
WAN backbones , the Internet backbone and connections from Internet service providers to the Internet backbone.
TDM
Time Division Multiplex - A method for transmitting multiple calls over a single line; each call is assigned a recurring
timeslot on the line, and a small portion of that call gets transmitted over the line each time its assigned timeslot is
available.
TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access
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UBR
Unspecified Bit Rate - a QoS parameter used typically used for data transmission.
Unicast
The transmit operation of a single PDU (protocol data unit) from one source to a single destination. In Unicast video,
this is one channel delivered to a single interface device. Point-to-point transmission requiring the source to send an
individual copy of a message to each requester. (See multicast.)
Vault
Outside plant enclosure used to house telecommunications equipment.
VDSL or VHDSL (Very High Bitrate DSL)[1] is a DSL technology providing faster data transmission over a single twisted
pair of copper wires. VDSL is a scheme to boost transmission speeds to as much as 52 Mbps for very short distances
(up to 1000 ft.) on copper wire, or longer distances in fiber-optic networks.
These fast speeds mean that VDSL is capable of supporting high bandwidth applications such as HDTV, as well as
telephone services (Voice over IP) and general Internet access, over a single connection. VDSL is deployed over
existing wiring used for POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) and lower-speed DSL connections.
Second-generation VDSL2 systems (ITU-T G.993.2) utilize bandwidth of up to 30 MHz to provide data rates exceeding
100 Mbit/s simultaneously in both the upstream and downstream directions. The maximum available bit rate is
achieved at a range of about 300 meters; performance degrades as the loop attenuation increases.
Currently, the standard VDSL uses up to 7 different frequency bands, which enables customization of data rate
between upstream and downstream depending on the service offering and spectrum regulations. First generation
VDSL standard specified both QAM (Quadrature amplitude modulation) and DMT (Discrete Multi-Tone modulation.) In
2006, ITU-T standardized VDSL in recommendation G.993.2 which specified only DMT modulation for VDSL2.
Voice Gateway
In the Central Office (CO), the Voice Gateway is a device that interfaces directly with the Class 5 Local Tandem
Telephone switch and passes the requests from the Voice Gateway Controller to the Class 5 Switch. At the customer
premises, the voice gateway is a device that takes a Voice over Internet Protocol transmission and converts the IP
Packets to plain old telephone service.
Because the gateway bypasses your computer, you can surf the Web at the same time that you or someone else uses
your Internet connection for a phone call. No software is required. The gateway can be set up with or without a network
router. You can add additional phone lines from the gateway with an RJ-11 splitter.
The major benefit of broadband voice service is saving money on long-distance charges, while enjoying better sound
quality than afforded by a regular dial-up connection. However, there are other considerations that make it impractical
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as the sole telephone service in a household: unlike regular telephone service, if your Internet service is down, your
phone will be down along with it, and a power outage means your phone is out as well.
The voice gateway controller is typically called the Voice over IP (VOIP) Soft Switch.
VOIP
Voice over Internet Protocol
Wavelength
A measure of the color of the light for which the performance of the fiber has been optimized. It is a length stated in
nanometers (nm) or in micrometers (um).
Sources:
Telcordia, ADC Telecom, Alcatel, Alloptic Inc, Corning, Paceon, Quantum Bridge, Terawave Communications,
Lightreading, and ITU.
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10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Although the standard for this version of Ethernet is not yet released, it is nearly
GigE) complete as of early 2002. It is already possible to buy 10 Gigabit devices based on
the emerging standard, but these aren’t officially Ethernet devices until the standard
issues.
100Base-T 100Mbps LAN that maintains backward compatibility with 10Base-T networks
running at 100Mbps
10Base-T 10Mbps Ethernet LAN which runs over twisted pair wiring. This network interface
was originally designed to run over ordinary twisted pair (phone wiring) but is
predominantly used with Category 3 or 5 cabling
2B1Q (2B1Q) Modulation format used by ISDN (Stands for 2 Binary 1 Quaternary)
Access Line The physical telecommunications circuit connecting and end user location with the
serving central office in a local network environment. Also called the local loop or
"last mile"
Access Network A set of communications links which primarily serves to deliver data and/or
communication services directly to and from end-users. Although an Access Network
operator may own facilities for providing the services themselves, the Access
Network is distinct from these facilities. Thus, the Access Network can be thought of
as providing bi-directional access for end-users to services and/or geographically
broader networks. See Distribution Network.
Access Nodes Points on the edge of the access network that concentrate individual access lines
into a smaller number of feeder lines. Access nodes may also perform various forms
of protocol conversion. Typical access nodes are DLC systems concentrating
individual voice lines to T-1 lines, cellular antenna sites, PBXs and ONUs.
Access Rate The transmission speeds of the physical access circuit between the end user
location and the local network. This is generally measured in bits per second (bps),
also called Access Speed.
Actives Components that require electrical power and actively alter the signal and/or
message properties. Examples are RF and optical amplifiers, and lasers.
ADSL Transmission Unit - The ADSL (Stands for asymmetric digital subscriber line) modem or line card that
Central Office physically terminates an ADSL connection at the telephone service provider's
serving central office
ADSL Transmission Unit - The ADSL modem or PC card that physically terminates an ADSL connection at the
Remote end user's location
Analog Electrical signal of wave form in which the amplitude and/or frequency vary
continuously
Analog Television The system of television transmission that has been practiced since the medium was
invented. Video and Audio information are represented by a continuously varying
voltage level.
Application Service A company that provides software or applications for end-users. The ASP owns the
Provider (ASP) actual applications and allows the end-user to use them, rather than selling them
outright.
Aspect ratio The ratio of width to height of a picture. Standard definition television uses a 4:3
aspect ratio, and most HDTV systems use a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Asymmetrical Digital BellCore term for delivery of digital information over ordinary copper phone lines.
Subscriber Line (ADSL) ADSL uses a system of frequency division whereby lower frequency POTS signals
are delivered to the home unaltered while digital signals traverse the phone line at
higher frequencies for delivery to end stations such as a video CODEC or PC.
Asynchronous Transfer A set of standards for digital transmission. ATM allows multiple data streams to be
Mode (ATM) combined onto a single communication link by allowing a portion of each to be
transmitted intermittently in turns. All information is broken into small, fixed-size
pieces called cells. This transfer mode is called Asynchronous because it is not
necessary for a portion of a particular data stream to be sent on a periodically
recurring basis.
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ATM Cell An ATM cell is 53 bytes long containing a 5-byte header and 48-byte payload. The
header of an ATM cell contains Virtual Circuit Identifier to allow it to be switched
through the network. The payload portion of an ATM cell can contain any type of
information, be it voice, video or data.
ATM Passive Optical See APON
Network
ATM PON (APON) A PON (see definition) which is built around ATM technologies.
Attenuation Power loss. It is generally measured in dB (decibels) for discrete components, and in
dB per unit length (dB/km or dB/kft) for cables.
Backbone Point-to-point or ring connections between Headends, Central Offices or other types
of major hubs.
Bandwidth Representative of the information-carrying capacity of a given transmission channel.
Baud Transmission rate of a multilevel-coded system when symbols replace multiple bits.
Baud rate is always less than bit rate in such systems.
Bit A single binary data element having a value of either 1 or 0, usually represented by
two different voltage levels.
Bit Error Rate (BER) A measure of the frequency with which transmission errors occur. By necessity,
typical BERs are quite low, and so are expressed in Scientific Notation. For example,
a BER of 1012 means that there is an average of one erroneous bit for every 1012
(written in long form as a 1 with 12 zeroes after it) or 1 trillion bits transmitted.
Bit Rate The number of bits of data transmitted per second.
Broadband A loosely used term describing a system that has a lot of bandwidth or information
carrying capacity. There is disagreement about exactly how much bandwidth
constitutes a true Broadband system. However, the capability to transmit at least one
channel of broadcast quality video is generally agreed to be an absolute minimum.
Broadband Integrated A standard for the integration of networks operating at speeds above 1.54 Mbps.
Services Digital Network (B- This standard was developed to advance the existing Telephony standards beyond
ISDN) their capabilities at the time.
Broadband PON (BPON) A Broadband PON, BPON, is an APON (ATM PON—see Definition) that is modified
to allow additional services, such as broadcast video or additional data. These
enhancements are made possible by one or more additional WDM channels, as
outlined in the ITU G983.wdm Recommendations.
Byte A sequence of eight bits.
Cable Binder In the telephone network, multiple insulated copper pairs are bundled together into a
cable called cable binder.
Cable Modem Modem designed to operate over cable TV lines; used to access the Internet.
Cable Modem Termination
System (CMTS)
Cable Television The transmission of television programming over a closed medium (such as coaxial
cable or optical fiber) rather than by over-the-air transmission.
CableLabs Cable Television Laboratories. The research consortium of the cable television
operating companies.
Caching The distributed storage of data to improve access speed to the data by the user. A
common example of this is the caching of popular web sites. The original data is
duplicated and stored in numerous local servers. An end-user can download the
cached sites more quickly than if they were retrieved from the original source.
Carrier (1) A telecommunications network operator. (2) A signal on which another, lower
frequency signal is modulated in order to transport the lower frequency signal to
another location.
Category 3 Cabling Rating for twisted pair copper cabling that is tested to handle 16 MegaHertz of
communications. Handles 10Mbps of LAN traffic and is commonly used as telephone
wiring.
Category 5 Cabling Rating for twisted pair copper cable that is tested to handle 100 MegaHertz of
communications. CAT-5 cable is generally required for higher-speed data
communications, such as Ethernet LANs and possibly low-speed ATM.
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CATV Community Antenna Television. Today, this term is often used as an abbreviation for
cable television. Historically, it described companies that were created to address
poor television reception in rural, often mountainous, communities. A large, sensitive
antenna would be erected in an advantageous location to pick up over-the-air
television signals. These signals were then carried over a cable television system to
subscribers who were otherwise unable to get adequate reception.
Cell In data transmission, this term refers to a small block or unit of data. Cells are most
commonly associated with ATM, in which their length is fixed at 53 bytes (48 bytes of
data and 5 bytes of address). Longer pieces of data are broken up into cells at the
transmitter, and reassembled at the receiver. See also the definition for Packets.
Central Office (CO) A facility in a conventional telephone network where local switching gear is housed.
The CO is the primary interconnection point between a caller and the rest of the
network, and is often referred to as the local Exchange.
Channel A range of frequencies assigned to a service and/or network operator.
Channel Service Unit/Data Digital interface device that connects end user data communications equipment to
Service Unit the digital local access lines.
Chromatic Dispersion Optical signal dispersion that arises from variations in transmission delay amongst
the range of wavelengths present in a single source. Because it is proportional to the
spectral width of the source, using a source with a tighter spectral output (see DFB
Laser) can reduce it. Chromatic Dispersion increases as a factor of length in all
fibers, but is typically only of concern in Single Mode fibers.
Circuit Switched Network Network that establishes a physical circuit temporarily on demand (typically when a
telephone or other connected device goes off hook) and keeps that circuit reserved
for the user until it receives a disconnect signal.
Circuit Switching Switching system that establishes a dedicated physical communications connection
between endpoints, through the network, for the duration of the communications
session; this is most often contrasted with packet switching in data communications
transmissions. See also Packet Switching.
CLEC See Competitive Local Exchange Carrier
Client/Server Architecture Distributed computing model that involves distributing information resources in
(CSA) servers that are accessed by so-called clients, the end users. This is generally
opposed to centralized mainframe computing architecture.
CO See Central Office.
Coarse Wave Division A WDM system in which the wavelengths of the individual signals or channels are
Multiplexing (CDWM) widely spaced. An increasing number of CWDM components are becoming available
with channel spacing of 20nm.
Coder/Decoder (CODEC) Hardware device or software program that converts analog information streams into
digital signals, and vice versa; generally used in audio and video communications
where compression and other functions may be necessary and provided by the
CODEC as well.
Community Antenna Community Antenna Television. Today, this term is often used as an abbreviation for
Television (CATV) cable television. Historically, it described companies that were created to address
poor television reception in rural, often mountainous, communities. A large, sensitive
antenna would be erected in an advantageous location to pick up over-the-air
television signals. These signals were then carried over a cable television system to
subscribers who were otherwise unable to get adequate reception.
Competitive Local A company that competes with an ILEC (see definition) to provide local phone
Exchange Carrier (CLEC) service. These services can be over the CLEC’s own network or over the ILEC’s
network, in accordance with terms outlined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Conditional Access A generic term used to indicate that access to a program or channel is limited to
authorized subscribers. Authorization typically involves payment of additional
charges.
Constant Bit Rate (CBR) Specifies a fixed bit rate so that data is sent in a steady stream. (See Also ABR,
UBR and VBR )
Crosstalk Interference on an analog line of an adjacent signal with the intended receive signal.
Crosstalk makes it hard to hear just the intended signal, as there are multiple
conversations on the line at once.
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Customer Premises The equipment portion of a Distribution or Access Network that is located in the
Equipment (CPE) Customer’s premises. This term can describe a wide array of equipment and
capabilities.
CWDM See Coarse Wave Division Multiplexing
Cyclic Redundancy Check Test used to confirm that data has been delivered without error. In a data packet, the
(CRC) CRC character is calculated by assigning binary values to blocks of data. If the block
of data does not match its assigned CRC value upon delivery, the data is erred
D Channel The "data" signaling channel in the ISDN scheme. This is the channel that carries
signaling and limited packet communications. In basic rate ISDN, this is a full-duplex
16 Kbps channel. In primary rate ISDN, this is a full-duplex 64 Kbps channel.
Data Circuit Terminating Any device that is connected to the subscriber end of a transmission circuit and
Equipment provides the appropriate termination functions for that connection.
Data Service Unit (DSU) Digital interface device that connects end user data communications equipment to
the digital access lines and provides framing of sub-64 Kbps customer access
channels onto higher-rate data circuits.
Data-Over-Cable Service DOCSIS is the formal name of the cable modem standard produced by a consortium
Interface Specification led by CableLabs.
(DOCSIS)
dB Shorthand notation for Decibel, a logarithmic unit used to represent the relative
strength of two signals. Decibel loss is defined as ten times the logarithm (to the
base 10) of the ratio of the two power levels. When calculating loss, the attenuated
signal is compared to the original input power. Although this definition is often
confusing to the layman, it is easier to calculate cumulative system losses in Decibel
than in any other format.
dBm Decibel measure of a power level with respect to one milliwatt. A signal strength of
0dBm corresponds to one milliwatt of power.
Decibel (dB) A logarithmic unit used to represent the relative strength of two signals. Decibel loss
is defined as ten times the logarithm (to the base 10) of the ratio of the two power
levels. When calculating loss, the attenuated signal is compared to the original input
power. Although this definition is often confusing to the layman, it is easier to
calculate cumulative system losses in Decibel than in any other format.
Dedicated Line Transmission circuit that is reserved by the provider for the full-time use of the
subscriber.
Demodulation Conversion of a carrier signal or wave form (analog) into an electrical signal (digital).
Dense Wave Division High-speed versions of WDM, which is a means of increasing the capacity of
Multiplexing SONET fiber optic transmission systems through the multiplexing of multiple
wavelengths of light.
DFB Laser See Distributed Feedback Laser.
Dial Up The process of initiating a switched connection through the network.
Digital Access and Cross- Digital cross-connect device for routing lines among multiple ports.
Connect System
Digital Hierarchy The progression of digital transmission standards typically starting with DS-0 (64
Kbps) and going up through at least DS-3.
Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) A telephony system used to connect multiple analog subscribers to a switch through
a single digital connection. The original purpose of this technology was to reduce the
number of copper lines that had to be run out to groups of remote subscribers. The
customers are still individually connected by an analog line to a remote terminal, but
are multiplexed onto the DLC from the remote terminal back to the Central Office.
Digital Signal 0 (DS-0) Basic North American 64 Kbps digitized voice channel. In the digital hierarchy, this
signaling standard defines a transmission speed of 64 Kbps.
Digital Signal 1 (DS-1) In the digital hierarchy, this signaling standard defines a transmission speed of 1.544
Mbps; a DS-1 is composed of 24 DS-0signals; this term is often used
interchangeably with T-1.
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Digital Signal 3 (DS-3) In the digital hierarchy, this signaling standard defines a transmission speed of
44.736 Mbps; a DS-3 is composed of 28 DS-1 signals; this term is often used
interchangeably with T-3.
Digital Subscriber Line A technology for increasing the bandwidth of twisted copper pair conductors. This is
(DSL) an important technology because it has allowed existing copper infrastructure to
carry much more information than it was originally designed to handle. Several
standards for upstream and downstream bandwidth have been created (ADSL,
VDSL, HDSL). These variants seek to trade off bandwidth against range and
physical plant requirements to address a wide range of applications. However, the
Bandwidth of even the highest speed DSL connection is a small fraction of what can
be carried by Optical Fiber. In addition, DSL connections are inherently vulnerable to
electrical noise, including the noise produced by other DSL lines.
Digital Video (DV) Video signals in a digital format. Video information is represented by discrete,
numerical values, rather than by continuously varying signal levels as in Analog
Video. Because of this, it is simpler to maintain the fidelity of the Video information
as it travels through a transmission medium.
Distributed Feedback Laser A type of laser in which the desired transmission wavelength is more tightly
(DFB Laser) controlled by means of a grating within the laser cavity. DFB lasers typically have
narrower spectral outputs than Fabry-Perot Lasers. This helps to control Chromatic
Dispersion in an optical transmission link. However, DFB lasers tend to be more
expensive than Fabry-Perot lasers.
Distribution Network A set of communications links which delivers services to end-users. This term is
often used in the context of a Cable Television network to describe the facilities that
send programming from the headend out to the end-users or viewers. In this context,
the Distribution Network may or may not be bi-directional. See Access Network.
DLC See Digital Loop Carrier.
Downstream The communications from the network towards the customer's premise.
DSL See Digital Subscriber Line
E-1 The European equivalent of a T-1 circuit. It is a term for a digital facility used for
transmitting data over a telephone network at 2.048 Mbps.
E-3 The European equivalent of a T-3 circuit. It is a term for a digital facility used for
transmitting data over a telephone network at 34 Mbps.
Egress A measure of the degree to which signals from a nominally closed coaxial cable
system are transmitted through the air. Also known as Signal Leakage. The FCC
requires that egress be monitored and controlled by CATV system operators.
EIA Electronic Industries Association. A trade organization in Washington representing
manufacturers of electronic equipment in the United States.
Electrical to Optical (E/O) Shorthand notation for a location or device in which an electrical signal is converted
to an optical signal. See also O/E and O/E/O.
Electromagnetic A term used to describe disturbances to electrical signals that can arise from a wide
Interference (EMI) range of sources. EMI can affect all types of copper communications cables and can
disable an access or distribution network, particularly as a network ages. Optical
fiber is completely immune to EMI.
Electronic Industries A trade organization in Washington representing manufacturers of electronic
Association (EIA) equipment in the United States.
Encapsulation The process of putting data inside a larger “package” that includes a header and
possibly an end-of-packet identifier. The encapsulation may be thought of as putting
a letter in an envelope for transport to another location.
Encryption The process of rendering a digital signal unintelligible to any receiver that doesn’t
have some unique piece of information needed to recover that signal.
EPON See Ethernet PON
Error Correction In data transmission, the technique of adding extra bits to a transmitted signal, with
the extra bits being used to detect and correct errors in the transmission.
Ethernet An IEEE data communications protocol originally developed for premises and local
access networks (IEEE 802.3). It was originally developed for peer-to-peer
communications using shared media over relatively short distances. Ethernet has
been substantially improved over the years and now operates in a wide variety of
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settings. Ethernet features variable length packets, which allows data to be sent with
less overhead. Although the early forms of Ethernet provided little control over QoS
(see definition), newer versions have improved upon this considerably. Ethernet is
currently the most widely deployed LAN protocol in the world. Efforts are currently
underway in the IEEE to extend Ethernet to access networks. See also Fast Ethernet
and Gigabit Ethernet.
Ethernet PON (EPON) A PON (see definition) that is built around Ethernet technologies.
Fabry-Perot Laser (FP A semiconductor laser with a basic cavity structure. FP lasers typically have wider
Laser) spectral outputs than DFB Lasers. This results in more Chromatic Dispersion in an
optical transmission link. However, FP lasers tend to be less expensive than DFB
lasers, and are adequate for shorter distances.
Far End CrossTalk Leakage of one or more foreign sources into the receiver of a system at the distant
end of a transmission system.
Fast Ethernet Ethernet at 100 Megabits per second. When it was first standardized, this version of
Ethernet was ten times faster than any previously available version. It has since
been surpassed by Gigabit Ethernet. See also Ethernet.
FEC See Forward Error Correction
Federal Communications The US federal regulatory agency responsible for regulating interstate and
Commission (FCC) international communications.
Feeder The portion of a CATV coaxial sub-network which starts at an amplifier fed by a trunk
or an express feeder, and supplies signals directly to subscriber taps.
Fiber in the Loop (FITL) Used by the telephone industry to describe the deployment of fiber on the subscriber
side of class 5 telephone switches.
Fiber Optic Cable Transmission medium composed of glass or plastic fibers; pulses of light are emitted
from a laser-type source. Fiber optic cabling is the present cabling of choice for all
interexchange networks, and increasingly for the local exchange loops as well; it is
high security, high bandwidth, and takes little conduit space.
Fiber To The Cabinet Network architecture where an optical fiber connects the telephone switch to a
cabinet where the signal is converted to feed the subscriber over a twisted copper
pair.
Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) An access network in which fiber is used for part, but not all of the link from the OLT
to the end-user. An optical to electrical (O/E) conversion takes place somewhere
close to the end-user. The terminal network segment of a FTTC network is usually
twisted copper pairs or coaxial cable. The final optical receiver in a FTTC network
typically serves several customers. See also Fiber to the Node.
Fiber to the Feeder (FTF) A term typically used to describe CATV Fiber to the Node networks. Coaxial cables
are normally used for the terminal network segment (from the node to the end-user).
Fiber to the Home (FTTH) An OAN in which the ONU is on or within the customer’s premises. Although the
first-installed capacity of an FTTH network varies, the upgrade capacity of a FTTH
network exceeds all other transmission media.
Fiber to the Node (FTTN) An access network in which fiber is used for part, but not all of the link from the OLT
to the end-user. An optical to electrical (O/E) conversion takes place at an active
device called a Node. This Node typically serves a neighborhood or geographically
similar area, which is larger than the typical service area in an FTTC deployment.
The terminal network segment is usually twisted copper pairs or coaxial cable. Most
current CATV and Telephony networks have FTTN architectures.
Fiber-in-the-Loop (FITL) Used by the telephone industry to describe the deployment of fiber on the subscriber
side of class 5 telephone switches (see Loop).
Forward Error Correction In data transmission, a process by which additional data is added that is derived
(FEC) from the payload by an assigned algorithm. It allows the receiver to determine if
certain classes of errors have occurred in transmission and in some cases, allow
other classes of errors to be corrected.
Franchise An agreement with a local governing body that permits a cable operator to construct
and/or operate a cable system, and which spells out the conditions that must be met
by that system. In many cases, franchises are exclusive, but multiple franchises
have become more common.
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Frequency Division Multiplexing technique that uses different frequencies to combine multiple streams of
Multiplexing (FDM) data for transmission over a communications medium.
FTTC See Fiber to the Curb
FTTH See Fiber to the Home
FTTN See Fiber to the Node
Full Service Access An industry consortium of telecom operators that drafted access network
Network (FSAN) recommendations. These recommendations were submitted to the recognized
standards bodies for approval and publication (e.g. ITU-T G.983). FSAN networks
are expected to work with the ATM switches commonly used by ILECs. Thus, many
features of an FSAN network are directly related to the capabilities of ATM
equipment.
Gigabit Ethernet (Gig-E) Ethernet at 1000 Megabits per second. As of early 2002, this is the fastest
standardized version of Ethernet available. However, the standard for 10 Gigabit
Ethernet devices is expected soon. See also Ethernet.
Greenfield A term used to describe network deployment in an area that was previously
undeveloped. Since everything is being built for the first time, network construction
can be done with few obstructions and little or no risk to other utilities. By definition,
there can be no incumbent network operators.
HDSL Transmission Unit - The HDSL modem or line card that physically terminates an HDSL connection at the
Central Office telephone service provider's serving central office.
HDSL Transmission Unit - The HDSL modem or PC card that physically terminates an HDSL connection at the
Remote end user's location.
Headend The point at which all cable television programming is collected and formatted for
placement on the cable system.
Header The first part of a data cell or packet, containing such information as source and
destination addresses, and instructions on how the telecommunications network is to
handle the data. The Header is part of the Overhead in a data transmission protocol.
Hertz The basic unit of frequency measurement; one cycle per second.
High Bit Rate Digital Modulation method that enables T-1 and E-1 signals to be delivered over two and
Subscriber Line (HDSL) three pairs of copper wire respectively.
High Definition Television Television with significantly more picture information (resolution) than that provided
(HDTV) by a good NTSC or PAL television signal. The specific resolution (or definition) of
HDTV can vary according to specifications. However, it is typically about twice the
resolution of standard television signals in both the horizontal and vertical direction. It
also has a wider aspect ratio.
Host Digital Terminal (HDT) Cable television digital headend equipment used to interface with a distribution plant.
Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) A distribution network commonly used for Cable Television. The cable segments
closer to the Headend are optical fiber, while those closer to the customer are
coaxial cable. The transition point from fiber to coax varies, and in many places, fiber
is extended further into the network in successive upgrades. The signal is normally
modulated onto an RF carrier throughout the system. Thus, HFC networks allow the
physical medium to be upgraded without changing the signal format or capabilities.
IEEE 802.3 A subset of the IEEE responsible for Ethernet Standards.
IEEE 802.3 EFM See IEEE 802.3ah.
IEEE 802.3ah A subset of the IEEE responsible for Ethernet in the First Mile. Roughly speaking,
this group is concerned with access networks.
Incumbent Local Exchange The telephone network operator that has been in operation longest in a particular
Carrier (ILEC) area. An ILEC can be a small, independent telephone company or an RBOC (see
definition). It should be noted that an RBOC is not the ILEC by default, but may be a
CLEC (see definition) in some areas of its operation.
Ingress Over-the-air signals that are inadvertently coupled into a nominally closed coaxial
cable distribution system. Ingress can originate from broadcast signals, electrical
noise, or equipment that the end-user has connected to the network. Ingress noise
often originates within an end-user’s premises and is, therefore, difficult to locate or
correct.
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Institute of Electrical and A professional organization of technologists interested in all aspects of electrical
Electronics Engineers engineering.
(IEEE)
Insulation Displacement Type of wire connection device in which a wire is punched down into a metal holder
Connection (IDC) that strips away the insulation to achieve electrical connection.
Integrated Services Digital A network standard for the combination of digital telephony and other services on the
Network (ISDN) same network. ISDN is also used to describe a particular type of telephony-based
data connection—the ISDN line.
Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC) A long distance telephone carrier. The name arises from the fact that these carriers
provide connections only between Central Offices (COs), which are sometimes
called Exchanges. Strictly speaking, an IXC does not provide connections from the
end-user to the CO or Exchange.
Interface Point of connection between two systems, networks, or devices.
InterLATA Telecommunications services that originate in one and terminate in another LATA.
International A standards body that produces a wide range of recommendations and standards for
Electrotechnical telecommunications.
Commission (IEC)
International Standards International organization for standardization which is based in Geneva. Publishes
Organization (ISO) national and international standards for data communications.
Internet Access Node The Internet access provider's facility for receiving communications from subscribers
and organizing it for transmission into the Internet.
Internet Protocol (IP) In addition to governing the operation of The Internet, IP is a set of rules for the
interconnection of geographically dispersed users who may not be using a common
data communication protocol. One important feature of IP is that it does not rely on
the establishment of dedicated connections between users. This allows “idle” time
between two users to be filled with other data, thereby increasing the utilization of
the available bandwidth.
Internet Service Provider An organization whose business it is to connect users to the Internet. By serving as
(ISP) the interface between end-users and the Internet, the ISP’s equipment is analogous
to a Cable Television Headend or Telephony Central Office. See also Point-of-
Presence.
Interoperability The ability of equipment from multiple vendors to communicate using standardized
protocols.
IntraLATA Telecommunications services that originate and terminate in the same LATA.
IP See Internet Protocol
IP Multicast A technique in which IP packets are simultaneously sent to multiple recipients. It is
often used to send an audio and/or video program to multiple users on a network
more efficiently. The efficiency is realized by sending only one data stream from the
file server, rather than one stream for each recipient. The digital data stream is
duplicated as necessary in the downstream path by routers and/or switches in order
to account for different signal paths to the end-users.
ISP See Internet Service Provider
IXC See Inter-Exchange Carrier
Jitter Interference on an analog line caused by a variation of a signal from its reference
timing slots. Jitter can cause problems in the receipt of data.
Kilobits per second Measure of bandwidth capacity or transmission speed. It stands for a thousand bits
per second.
KiloHertz (kHz) One thousand hertz.
Lambda A term often used as a synonym for Wavelength (see Definition).
LAN See Local Area Network.
Last Mile Refers to the local loop and is the difference between a local telephone company
office and the service user.
Latency Measure of the temporal delay. Latency refers to the delay in time between the
sending of a unit of data at one end of a connection until the receipt of that unit at the
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destination.
Layer OSI reference model; each layer performs certain tasks to move the information from
the sender to the receiver. Protocols within the layers define the tasks for the
networks but not how the tasks are accomplished.
Layer Two Tunneling Extension to the PPP protocol that enables ISPs to operate VPNs.
Protocol (L2TP)
LEC Local Exchange Carrier. A local telephone company.
Loaded Pair Twisted pair phone line with inductors, or loading coils, inserted periodically to flatten
the frequency response in the 4 KHz voice band.
Loading Coil Device used to extend the range of a local loop for voice grade communications.
They are inductors added in series with the phone line which compensate for the
parallel capacitance of the line.
Local Area Network (LAN) A network of individual PCs and servers which are in close geographic proximity and
are using a common communication protocol.
Local Area Network (LAN) Network of individual PCs and servers which are in close geographic proximity and
are using a common communication protocol.
Long Distance (LD) Representing the communications of information over a distance other than the local
calling area.
Long Haul Term for Long Distance
Loop Local Office Outside Plant. That portion of a telephone network extending from the
local (class 5) switch to the network termination points at individual subscribers.
Loopback Tests Test in which a test signal is injected at one end of a circuit, is looped back at the
other end, and monitored at the originating end.
Low Water Peak Fiber A single mode fiber in which attenuation throughout the water peak range (between
1360nm and 1460nm) is less than or equal to the attenuation at 1310nm. Lower
attenuation over this range allows these wavelengths to be utilized more easily than
in conventional single mode fiber. The so-called “water peak” is caused by the
natural tendency of moisture (specifically OH- ions) to filter light very strongly over
the water peak range. Eliminating moisture in the fiber core and cladding creates
Low Water Peak Fiber.
Main Distribution Frame Central point where all local loops terminate in the CO.
(MDF)
Mean Time Between Failure A measure of the average time interval between circuit restoration from a previous
(MTBF) failure and the onset of the next failure in a network.
Mean Time To Restore A measure of the average time required to restore proper network/circuit operation
(MTTR) after a failure.
Media Access Control The means by which access to a common medium is controlled for multiple
(MAC) transmitters. The objective is to minimize or avoid interference so as to make the
most efficient use of the shared medium. Many different control schemes are
available to provide different balances between features and implementation cost.
Megabits per second Measure of bandwidth capacity or transmission speed. It stands for a million bits per
(Mbps) second.
Mesh An architecture in which terminal points are connected to several other terminal
points directly, rather than just to a central point (a star) or the adjacent terminals in a
ring.
Messenger The support member in an aerial, electronic or fiber cable.
Metro Area Network (MAN) A general term used to describe any telecommunications network of intermediate
size.
Metropolitan Area Network Data communication network typically covering the geographic area of a city; a
communications network that is usually larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
Metropolitan Serving Area Regional area served by a provider who is classified based on the metropolitan
coverage area.
Modal Dispersion Optical signal dispersion that arises from variations in transmission delay amongst
the propagation modes in an optical fiber. Modal Dispersion increases as a factor of
length in Multi Mode fibers and can limit their transmission range. Single Mode fiber
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does not exhibit Modal Dispersion, since it has only one mo de of propagation.
Modem Converter of analog waveforms into digital data and vice versa.
Modulation The process of imposing information on carrier signal by varying some parameter of
the carrier. The parameters that can be varied are the amplitude, frequency or
phase.
Motion Picture Experts A group which developed standards for digital compression of television pictures.
Group (MPEG) The second generation of this standard is MPEG-2, which is the current standard for
digital television encoding and transmission throughout the world.
MPEG1 Compression scheme for full motion video. Compression algorithm introduced by
MPEG in 1991, the common goal of MPEG is to compress 7.7 Meg down to about
150 Kbytes. MPEG1 is designed to provide a resolution of 352 by 240 pixels at 30
frames per second.
MPEG2 Video compression standard selected by MPEG. Designed to provide a resolution of
720 by 480 pixels at 30 frames per second. Likely to be the leading compression
algorithm for a range of video applications including video on demand.
Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) An apartment, high-rise or any other building in which more than one residence is
located.
Multi-Tenant Unit (MTU) A building that houses multiple tenants. This term can be generally applied to
apartments (see MDU) but more often refers to business locations.
Multichannel Multipoint MMDS is a pay television delivery system that delivers up to 33 channels of video
Distributed Service (MMDS) programming via microwave transmission.
Multimode Fiber (MMF) An optical fiber that supports more than one mode of optical propagation. Multimode
fiber exhibits modal dispersion, which typically is the limiting factor for its
transmission range.
Multipath A condition where an over-the-air signal may reach a receiver via more than one
path from a transmitter, leading to degraded reception. Applies to all transmission
systems and frequencies
Multiple Dwelling Unit Apartment, high-rise or any other building in which more than one residence is
(MDU) located.
Multiple System Operator Historically, this term arose to describe companies that owned and operated more
(MSO) than one cable television system. These companies were often built through
acquisitions, and many have since consolidated their holdings into a single operating
unit. Thus, the term is often used today to indicate any large cable television
company
Multiplexer Device that allows the transmission of multiple data streams over a common
medium. Several communications paths or channels may be either permanently or
dynamically established over the medium to accomplish this.
Multiplexing The transmission of more than one independent signal over a single transmission
media. The transmitted signals need not operate continuously or simultaneously in
order for Multiplexing to have occurred. See TDM and WDM.
Narrowband Term used to describe services with up to and including T-1 or 1.544 Mbps.
National Cable Television A trade organization that represents companies in the cable television industry.
Association (NCTA)
National Television System The entity that developed the analog TV specifications used in North America and
Committee (NTSC) some other portions of the world. There were actually two NTSCs: the first
developed the monochrome transmission system and the second added color.
Near Video On Demand A PPV service that approaches on-demand availability by offering frequent start
(NVoD) times for popular events (movies). Half to quarter hour incremented start times are
common.
Network Access Point Public network exchange facility where ISPs can connect with one another in peering
arrangements.
Network Interface Card The circuit board or other form of computer hardware which serves as the interface
(NIC) between a computer, or other form of communicating DTE, and the communications
network.
Network Interface Device One of many names for a box on the side of the house that contains any required
interfaces between the inside wiring and the Distribution or Access Network.
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(NID)
Network Managament System that allows a provider to manage a telecommunications network.
System (NMS)
Network Service Provider The term for an organization offering and providing network services on a
(NSP) telecommunications network.
Network Termination Unit Equipment at the customer premise that terminates a network access interface.
(NSP)
Node As a generic term, a node is a piece of outside plant equipment that connects
multiple users to a common link, which extends back to a Headend, Central Office or
similar location.
Operations Administration A generic term for software suites that allow centralized administration of a
Management (OAM) communication system.
Operations, Administration, A generic term for software suites that allow centralized administration of a
Maintenance and communication system. It is a superset of what the cable industry refers to as status
Provisioning (OAM&P) monitoring.
Optical Access Network An Access Network made up of optical transmission links. This is in contrast with
(OAN) older technologies, which typically use copper links composed of twisted-pair or
coaxial cables.
Optical Line Termination An OLT provides the network-side interface of the OAN, and is connected to one or
(OLT) more ONUs.
Optical Network See ONU.
Termination (ONT)
Optical Network Unit (ONU) An ONU provides (directly or remotely) the user-side interface of the OAN. Additional
devices may be attached to the ONU at the user premises. However, this is the
terminal element of what is commonly regarded as the access network. More than
one ONU may be connected to the same OLT by means of passive or active
intermediate elements.
Optical Splitter A passive optical component with at least three ports, which can split or combine
optical signal power. When used in a PON, a splitter bi-directionally couples one
OLT to multiple ONUs. Signal power from the OLT is split among the ONUs
according to the design parameters of the splitter. The OLT signal strength at each
ONU is reduced accordingly. Signals from the ONUs are aggregated by the splitter
and must be appropriately multiplexed to avoid interference.
Optical to Electrical (O/E) Shorthand notation for a point or device in which an optical signal is converted to an
electrical signal. See also E/O and O/E/O.
Optical to Electrical to Shorthand notation for a point or device in which an optical signal is converted to an
Optical (O/E/O) electrical signal and back to an optical signal. This is often done to facilitate
processing which can only be done electrically, but which is at an intermediate point
within an optical network. Common examples are routers and equipment for cleaning
up a degenerated optical signal. See also E/O and O/E.
Overbuild A term used to describe new network deployment in an area that is served by an
incumbent network operator. Although the services offered by the new provider may
differ from those offered by the incumbent provider(s), some degree of competition is
usually implicit.
Overhead In data transmission, the portion of the data that is included to manage transmission.
Examples include address information and error correction data. See Payload.
Overlay (1) Sometimes used as a synonym for Overbuild (see above). (2) A term used to
describe the insertion of additional information or services into an optical link. See
also Wavelength Overlay.
P2MP See Point-to-Multi-Point.
P2P See Point-to-Point.
Packet A unit of data in certain communications protocols such as Ethernet and IP. Typically
the term “packet” is used for data units which can be of variable length. This is in
contrast to cells (see definition), which are of fixed length. Packets allow some
flexibility when packaging data for transmission by allowing more data to be sent
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without breaking it up into pieces and then reassembling it at the receiver. This, in
turn, reduces the overhead.
Packet Switched Network Network that does not establish a dedicated path through the network for the
duration of a session, opting instead to transmit data in units called packets in a
connectionless manner. Datastreams are broken into packets at the front end of a
transmission, sent over the best available network connection, and then
reassembled in their original order at the destination endpoint.
Packet Switching Switching system that uses a physical communications connection only long enough
to transit a data message; data messages are disassembled into packets and
reassembled at the receiving end of the communication link. Packets may travel over
many diverse communications links to get to the common endpoint.
Passive A component that requires no electrical power to operate. Examples include Optical
Splitters, tap couplers, and fixed optical attenuators.
Passive Optical Network An OAN in which each OLT is connected with more than one ONU by means of
(PON) passive intermediate elements. Optical Splitters serve as the intermediate elements
in typical PONs. See also Point-to-Multi-Point.
Pay Per View (PPV) The selling of programs to subscribers on a per-program basis as opposed to a
subscription basis.
Payload The portion of transmitted data that is actually intended for the recipient. Any other
information added for the sake of transmission or processing is considered
Overhead.
Permanent Virtual Circuit Term found in frame relay and ATM network which a virtual connection between two
(PVC) fixed endpoints is established through the network.
Personal Video Recorder A video device that includes a large hard drive and video
(PVR) compression/decompression capability. It is used to record and play back programs
just like a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), but has more advanced capabilities for
recording and viewing.
Plain Old Telephone A term used to describe basic Telephony.
Service (POTS)
Point-of-Presence (POP) A local interface point where a number of end-users are actually connected to a
larger network. This term is normally used in reference to Internet services. Thus, it
usually refers to a facility where a number of end-users are interfaced with the
Internet. In this context, its function is analogous to that of a CO in a telephony
network. It should be noted many dial-up Internet users connect to their POP via a
CO.
Point-to-Multi-Point (P2MP) In the context of an optical access network, this term describes an architecture in
which an OLT is optically linked to multiple ONUs through entirely passive means.
There are no intermediate active devices, although some sort of passive device is
required at the “branching” point. This term is often used as a synonym for a Passive
Optical Network (see definition above).
Point-to-Point (P2P) : In the context of an optical access network, this term describes an architecture in
which all optical links are from one point to another, without optical branching.
However, branching can be (and usually is) done at an intermediate point by way of
an active device (see definition for O/E/O). The intermediate active device can be
located anywhere in the network, including the Central Office or a curb-side
enclosure.
PON See Passive Optical Network
POP Also PoP. See Point of Presence
POTS Plain Old Telephone Service. A term used to describe basic Telephony.
Protocol Set of rules defining how data transmission equipment and/or software will
communicate and interact.
Public Switched Telephone The network that is normally thought of as the incumbent telephone system. It is
Network (PSTN) considered Public because of open-access requirements. It is considered switched
because dedicated connections or circuits are set up during calls, in contrast to IP or
other networks that are connectionless.
Quality of Service (QoS) A term that describes the ability of a network to provide a particular level of service
availability. QoS levels can range from best-effort to dedicated bandwidth. QoS is a
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technical term associated with ATM, but is commonly used to describe the concept
of guaranteed availability for a wider range of technologies.
Radio Frequency Radio frequency is the electromagnetic spectrum from 3 KHz to 300 GHz.
Interference (RFI)
Rain fade Electromagnetic signal loss due to absorption and reflections caused by raindrops
within the signal path. The wavelength of a system’s electromagnetic radiation
determines its susceptibility to rain fade.
Rate Adaptive Digital ADSL modem that adjusts to varying lengths and qualities of lines. This type of
Subscriber Line (RADSL) modem can be designed to select their connection speed during a connection, or
upon signal from the central office.
Regional Bell Operating Any one of the large companies that emerged from the 1984 divestiture of AT&T with
Company (RBOC) a charter to provide local telephone service over large regions of the United States.
The scope of the original RBOCs has been changed in some cases by mergers and
by their entry into other business segments. However, they are still easily identifiable
by their lineage and status as the largest ILECs (see definition) in the United States.
Rehabilitation (Rehab) A term used to describe the upgrade or outright replacement of an existing network.
The new network may be capable of delivering new or better services than the old
network. For example, old copper telephony networks are often upgraded in order to
provide DSL. By definition, this type of construction does not increase the number of
operational networks.
Remote Termination Unit Device installed at the customer premise that connects to the local loop to provide
high-speed connectivity.
RJ-11 Six-conductor modular jack used with four-wire cabling and is used commonly on
phones, modems, and fax machines.
RJ-45 Eight-pin connector used to attach data transmission devices to standard telephone
wiring.
Router A multi-port data communications device that transfer data packets from one port to
any of the other ports according to address data included in the Overhead. Routers
are differentiated from data communications Switches by the ability to perform
higher-level functions necessary to the interconnection of different networks.
SAN See Storage Area Network
Scrambling In cable television, the process of modifying an analog TV signal so that it cannot be
correctly displayed by a television receiver. In data transmission, scrambling refers to
the process of randomizing the bit pattern of a transmitted signal to prevent peaks in
the spectrum of the modulated signal. Note that the cable television and data
transmission definitions are NOT equivalent.
SCTE Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers. A professional organization of
technologists interested in cable telecommunications technology.
Service User The end user at the customer premise.
Serving Central Office The central office in the local communications network that is directly connected to
the end user location.
Set Top Box Also known as a Set Top terminal or Set Top Converter. A device used with an end-
user’s TV to allow reception of television programs. It may tune channels the TV
does not tune, and may include descrambling circuitry. It also may decode digital
video signals for viewing on an analog television and provide auxiliary functions such
as an electronic program guide.
Single Mode Fiber (SMF) Optical fiber that support only a single optical propagation mode, and thus exhibits
no Modal Dispersion. Single Mode Fiber (SMF) is typically capable of uninterrupted
transmission distances that are orders of magnitude longer than Multimode Fiber
(MMF).
Society of Cable A professional organization of technologists interested in cable telecommunications
Telecommunications technology.
Engineers (SCTE)
SONET Synchronous Optical Network. An optical networking standard. SONET defines
specific aspects of how the network will be automatically restored during service
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outages via redundant links, as well as how it will be synchronized to facilitate TDM.
Splitter A device having three or more ports, used to divide RF signal power between two or
more paths. If the device is bi-directional, it can also be used to combine two or more
signals.
SSP See Storage Service Provider
Statistical Multiplexing In multiplexed video compression systems, the process of assigning more or less of
the available channel bandwidth to each of the several signals being multiplexed,
according to the instantaneous needs of each.
Storage Area Network A network created for the purpose of providing shared data storage capabilities to a
(SAN) group of users.
Storage Service Provider A company that provides data storage facilities. These services often provide added
(SSP) security, in addition to storage capacity.
Strand A heavy wire attached to utility poles, to which coaxial and fiber optic cables can be
attached.
Streaming The process of downloading video and/or audio while the user is watching/listening
at the same time. This allows the user to start enjoying the content before it is fully
downloaded, saving time before beginning playout of a movie.
STS-1 ATM physical layer implementation supporting 51 Mbps.
STS-3 ATM physical layer implementation supporting 155 Mbps.
Switch In telephony, the device used to connect one circuit for the duration of a call. In data
communication, a multi-port device that transfers discrete pieces of data from one
port to any of the others, according to address data included in the Overhead.
Symmetrical Digital DSL connection that provides equivalent upstream and downstream transmission
Subscriber Line rates.
Synchronization In data transmission, the process of ensuring that data recovery at the receiver is
timed properly with the data being transmitted. In video, the process of ensuring that
the camera pickup and the receiver display are scanning the same part of the image
at the same time.
Synchronous Digital The international standard for transmitting digital information over optical networks, a
Hierarchy (SDH) version of SONET
Synchronous Optical An optical networking standard. SONET defines specific aspects of how the network
Network (SONET) will be automatically restored during service outages via redundant links, as well as
how it will be synchronized to facilitate TDM.
Synchronous Optical Standards for transmitting digital information over optical networks. Fiber optic
Network (SONET) transmission rates range from 51.84 Mbps to 13.22 Gbps. It defines a physical
interface, optical line rates known as Optical Carrier (OC) signals, frame formats,
and an OAM&P (Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning)
protocol. The base rate is known as OC-1 and runs at 51.84 Mbps. Higher rates are
a multiple of this such that OC-12 is equal to 622 Mbps (12 times 51.84 Mbps).
Synchronous Transmission Data transmission using synchronization bytes, instead of star/stop bits, to control
the transmission.
T-1 A data exchange protocol used in North America for constant bit rate systems. It
operates at 1.544 Mb/s and can handle up to 24 telephone calls or other data. The
corresponding protocol in Europe and elsewhere is E1, 2.048 Mb/s, handling up to
30 telephone calls or other data. T-1 is also used to describe the actual service, as
provided by telephone system operators.
T-3 The US equivalent of an E-3. This is a Bell system term for a digital carrier facility
used for transmission of data through the telephone hierarchy at a transmission rate
of 45 Mbps.
Telco Generic term for the local telephone company operator in a given area.
Telephony over Passive Telephony using a PON as all or part of the transmission system between telephone
Optical Network switch and subscriber.
Time Division Multiple A data transmission method in which a number of individual transmitters in different
Access (TDMA) locations share a transmission channel, each occupying the channel for a portion of
the total time.
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Transmission Control The protocols (TCP/IP) are the result of the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Protocol/Internet Protocol Agency (DARPA) project to interconnect disparate computer networks of the 1970s.
(TCP/IP) Today the protocols are the basis of the Internet.
Trunk (1) The untapped portion of a coaxial distribution network. (2) The segment of a
Distribution Network closest to the central facilities (Headend or CO).
Tunneling Protocol Technology that enables one network to send its data via another network's
connections.
Twisted Pair A type of cable used extensively for transmission of electrically balanced audio or
data signals. The cable consists of two insulated conductors twisted together in order
to achieve specific electrical properties. These electrical properties and the
performance of the cable may be compromised if the twist rate is disturbed by
handling or installation. There may or may not be a shield over the twisted pair.
User Network Interface The user’s end of an access or distribution network. This is more generic than an
(UNI) ONU, since it is not necessarily Optical. However, it is the same in all other respects.
Video Compression The removal of signal information from a Video signal in order to reduce the
bandwidth necessary to transmit that signal. Video Compression can be done in
such a way that there is little or no perceptible change in the Video quality. It can
also be done at the expense of Video quality, when higher compression rates are
necessary for bandwidth limited systems.
Video Over IP The transmission of video programming over an IP network. If the source
programming is digital, it is simply encapsulated into IP packets. Otherwise, it is first
digitized and usually compressed. The signal can be converted back to an analog
signal by equipment at the customer’s premises, or viewed by a digital-capable TV.
One attraction of Video Over IP and VOIP (see below) is that they could allow a
single network protocol to handle voice, video and data services.
Video-On-Demand (VoD) A video service which allows users to select a program and begin viewing it at any
time. In some embodiments, it allows VCR-like control of the playback (e.g. pause,
rewind, fast-forward) without use of a PVR.
Virtual Private Network A logical (as opposed to physical) grouping of users in a network which has many
(VPN) functional attributes of a dedicated or private network. VPNs provide the
convenience and security of dedicated networks, while allowing more than one VPN
(or set of users) to share the same infrastructure.
Voice Over IP (VoIP) The transmission of telephone calls over an IP network. See also Video Over IP.
Wavelength (1) The size of an electromagnetic wave as it travels through a transmission medium.
Wavelength is equal to the speed of propagation in a medium divided by the
frequency, and thus is inversely proportional to frequency. (2) A term used to
describe an individual channel in a WDM system.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing in which a unique optical wavelength is used for each signal, thereby
Multiplexing (WDM) allowing two or more signals to be transmitted through the same medium
simultaneously without interference.
Wavelength Overlay The insertion of an additional wavelength or channel onto an existing optical link.
Strictly speaking, this is WDM (see below), but the term is often used to describe the
expansion of capacity in a PON.
WDM Over PON The expansion of capacity in a Passive Optical Network through the use of
Wavelength Division Muliplexing. The additional wavelengths or channels can be
accessible to one, some, or all of the end-users who are physically connected to that
PON. It is often used to provide a dedicated channel for a single user (e.g. a large
business), expand capacity for a limited subset of end-users, or broadcast analog
video.
Wide Area Network (WAN) A network of individual PCs and servers that are geographically dispersed and are
using a common communication protocol. See also Local Area Network.
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FTTP Glossary/Acronyms – For Relay Racks and Fiber Frames within the Central
Office.
Cross Connect -- Means by which two network elements are connected to each other. One
network element is connected to the rear of one FTB, and the other network element is connected
to the rear of another FTB. The two network elements are then connected to one another by means
of a patch cord, which is connected at the front of each FTB. This method of connecting network
elements is recommended when expecting many moves, adds, and changes in the network.
Edge Protector -- Device designed to protect a jumper from being routed over a rough or sharp
edge, thereby eliminating the possibility of signal attenuation at this point.
End Guard -- A device that is placed at the beginning and end of line-ups to protect the fiber frames
and the cables within from damage. The NGF end guard is 5” wide and matches the height and
depth of the adjacent FMDF. There are two types of FMDF that accommodate an end guard: the
standard FMDF and the front-facing FMDF.
Fiber Storage Area -- Vertical area in the center of the FMDF frame which contains slack storage
spools.
FOT -- Fiber Optic Terminal. Network element that transmits and receives optical signals through
fiber optic cable.
FOTSB -- Fiber Optic Terminal Storage Bay. 12” wide free standing panel that functions as a
storage area for equipment patch cord slack.
Frame Section -- Individual NGF bay framework. Includes base guard boxes, uprights, patch cord
storage area, horizontal and vertical troughways, and 12 module mounting positions.
Horizontal Trough --Trough which resides just below the FTB on the FMDF. Guides jumpers from
front of FTB to vertical cable guides or from front of FTB to rear horizontal cable trough.
IFC -- Intrafacility Cable. Multi-fiber in-building cable used between the termination frame and OSP
splice point.
Interconnect -- Means by which two network elements are connected to each other. One network
element is connected to the rear of an FTB, and the other is connected to the front of the same FTB.
This method of connecting network elements is recommended for low fiber counts and a small
number of moves, adds, and changes in the network.
Jumper -- Cable assembly containing one or two fibers. Also called patch cord.
LHS -- Left Hand Side. Refers to the vertical on the left side of the FMDF as seen from front of
frame section.
Lower Trough -- Trough which rests on the base of the front-facing FMDF. Its function is to guide
cross-connect patch cords from one side of the frame to the other or from one frame to another.
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
Lowest Spool Position -- Spool that is offset from the slack storage spools in the fiber storage area
of frame. Resides at very bottom of frame below the first slack storage spool. Provides edge
protection for patch cords that are routed to and from the fiber storage area.
NGF -- Next Generation Frame. ADC product line that includes the standard FMDF, the F3MDF, the
Slim Rack, the associated FTB blocks, and various accessories.
OSP -- Outside plant cable. Multi-fiber cable used outdoors to interconnect network elements from
one building to another.
Patch Cord -- Cable assembly containing one or two fibers. Also called jumper.
Radius Limiter -- Device designed to protect the minimum bend radius of a jumper, thereby
minimizing the possibility of signal attenuation at this point.
Rear Trough -- The path through which jumpers are routed on the rear of the standard FMDF. The
dimensions of each rear trough are 2” H x 5” D. The FMDF has six rear troughs. Also called rear
horizontal trough.
RHS -- Right Hand Side. Refers to vertical on the right side of the FMDF as seen from front of frame
section.
Slack Storage Spool -- Radiused device designed to support fiber jumper and protect the minimum
bend radius of jumpers at the frame section.
Sliding Adapter Pack -- Sliding housing that contains fiber adapters. Resides within the FTB.
Vertical -- Area of frame that accepts fiber termination blocks. A vertical accepts up to six FTBs or
three Fiber Combination Blocks. The standard frame and the front facing frame each have two
verticals (LHS and RHS). The slim rack has one (LHS vertical).
Vertical Cable Guide -- Device designed to protect and guide jumpers vertically from one area of
frame section to another.
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
Abstract
For optical fiber point-to-point passive optical networks (PONs), oOne of the biggest concerns for the
Outside Plant Design Engineer today is how do I calculate the link loss budget? What components do I
consider when calculating the link loss budgets?
The assumption for all design engineers regarding the Link Loss Budget Calculations is to design for the
worst case scenario. Simply put, the design engineer should design for the highest loss values on
component structures that are determined by the individual "Standards Bodies."
With that said, let us look at the link loss budget for an FTTP Network with the Video services provided over
IP. What impacts Passive Optical Network (PON) distances and link budgets? 1st, we have the physical
aspects of the PON network, the quality and quantity of the splice points, the number and types of
connectors, the split ratios, and finally the fiber. 2nd, we have the optical power considerations of the
lasers, the class of the PON optics in the network we are designing and the receiver sensitivity. And finally,
we have the physics, the types of dispersion (i.e. PMD and chromatic). Today, the dispersion effects do not
greatly effect the link loss budgets. In the future, dispersion will play a greater role when bandwidths
greater than 10 Gbps and longer distances greater than 20 km are the norm.
Exhibit 1. Key:
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
When looking at the Link Loss Budget, please use the following:
Optical link budgets are determined by individual vendor’s active components; PON chips within the
electronics, the lasers, and the receivers. The PON Optics Classes have been defined as Class A, B, & C.
Traditional BPON equipment has always used the Class B Optics. When we look at the link budget for the
Class B optics, we see that the maximum link is set at 25 dB. It was determined that some of the PON
Networks of 20 km were actually stretching these budgets to the limit, and the active equipment
manufacturers were force to increase these budgets to 26.5 dB. With the advent of these increased
budgets and the possible need to increase the split ratios of GPON, the Class B Optics were given an
increase in the receiver photo detectors to allow for a 28 dB loss budget. While still not in the Class C
optics range, these components were given the distinction of Class B+ optics. The key differentiation is that
the cost of these Class B+ optics have not increased to the Class C pricing while maintaining better PON
loss characteristics. This is not to say that in the future, the need to transport to longer reaches (say 30 km
or 40 km) and even higher split ratios (1:128) will force the equipment manufacturers to the Class C optics.
For the Point to Point (P2P) Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) and GEPON systems, the IEEE has defined
the optics classifications as P10 & P20. Initially, the EPON ONTs were provided with P10 optics which
would lead to only a 1:16 split ration with a 10km reach. The current generation of GEPON electronics are
using the P20 optics which allow for the full 1x32 split ratios with a 20km reach capability.
Optics Class Min Optical Link Budget Max Optical Link Budget
A 5 dB 20dB
P10 5 dB 20 dB
P20 10 dB 25 dB
B 10dB 25dB
B+ 10dB 28dB
C 15dB 30dB
The connector loss table in Exhibit 3 are the maximum losses allowed for connectors in the "field." The field
is defined to be within the outside plant (OSP), and the standards were put into place to cover the
environmental conditions due to temperature changes. Realistically, in looking at connector manufacturing,
the measured losses may be quite low (on the order of 0.05 to 0.15 db per connector) regardless of the
connector type used; Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) or Angled Physical Contact (APC).
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
As long as the connectors are placed in the Central Office, as this is a controlled environment and the
temperatures should not vary greatly, the design engineer may use 0.25 dB per connector or 0.5 dB per
connector mated pair for all CO connectors. However, the loss value for all Outside Plant connectors
should use the standards table below. For the PON systems designed, the preferred connector used in the
central office and in the field are the APC connectors where in the field, the design engineer should use
0.35 dB or 0.7 dB per connector mated pair for all OSP connections. Again, these are the "worst case"
losses which is what the design engineer should be designing for on paper.
Exhibit 4 below shows what a typical Central Office layout should look like. In determining the link loss
budget for a particular system, the CO typically only accounts for less than 100 meters (328 feet) if fiber,
and may be omitted in the overall link loss budget calculations. However, when experiencing a budget
calculation close to the manufacturer’s maximum link loss budget, this value should be considered.
Video WDM
Active Components P/V-OLT Fiber Distribution Frames
Fiber Entrance Cabinet (FEC)
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
The other consideration is to look at Central Office connection method; There are three connection method
strategies, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For the most part, we will use the cross
connection method as this method offers greater flexibility in how we test and turn up networks. With the
cross connection method used, the Connectorization Loss within the Central Office would be three
connected mated pairs maximum or 1.5 dB. From the Central Office perspective, we will also have at least
one (1) splice where the OSP fiber will transition to the CO Fiber, and again we will be using the worst case
of 0.1 dB per splice (inside plant or outside plant). So for the first total, we will have 1.6 dB for our Central
Office losses.
SPLICE
1 Jumper or IFC 2
3
IFC
2 3
Spectral Attenuation
The spectral attenuation is simply the loss characteristics built into the fiber optic cable given over a
particular optical wave length. The lower the wavelength, the higher the spectral attenuation. You will see
this applied to link loss budget calculations where we will take the worst case and apply those numbers for
the end-to-end loss budget. Not shown in the graph is the fact that after the 1600 nm wavelength, the
intrinsic attenuation actually goes back up. Therefore, it is not logical to say that we can keep extending
the wavelength to achieve lower and lower losses. For PON, the equipment operates in the ranges
between 1310 nm and 1590 nm. The fact that we are using CWDM transceivers, the total bandwidth
variants can be between plus/minus 10 nm to a plus/minus 50 nm. In telecommunications, the spectral
bandwidth for single peak devices is the difference between wavelengths at which the radiant intensity is
50%, or 3 dB down from the maximum value. In looking at the link budget for an FTTP Network with the
Video services provided over IP, we are only going to use the 1310 & 1490nm wavelength spectral
attenuations.
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
When applying to distances and calculating the link loss budget for a given architecture, Fiber Optic Cable
manufacture must specify the Spectral Attenuation for their products. In designing the FTTP network, the
design engineer, will initially design for the wavelength with the highest loss characteristics. For BPON and
GPON, this will always be 1310 nm. The loss will vary from manufacturer to manufactures. Some of the
ranges are from 0.31 db/km for premium fiber to 0.34 db/km for standard SMF-28e (corning) to a high of
0.40 dB/km. When we start increasing the split ratios in a given network, the Spectral Attenuation will need
to be closely monitored.
Spectral Attenuation
n m
d B / k m
a 850 1.81
b 1300 0.35
c 1310 0.34
d 1380 0.40
e 1550 0.25
a f 1490 0.28
g 1590 0.25
f g
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
Splitter Loss
Regardless of the splitting architectures or PON Technologies used (Centralized vs. Distributed
Architectures), when calculating the link loss budget, you want to account for the following splitter loss
configurations (SC/APC connectors in/out are included): 1x2 3.70 dB, 1x3 5.10 dB, 1x4 7.25 dB, 1x8
10.38 dB, 1x16 14.10 dB, and 1x32 17.45 dB. (ITU Standards) These losses include connectors and are
the maximum losses defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) G.671 and Telcordia
GR-1209. When GPON requires the 1x64 split ratio we were originally forced to use a single 1x2 splitter
interfacing two 1x32 splitters to make up the 1x64 configuration. With today’s packaging, this is allowable,
however for the design engineer, we are taking the 1x2 maximum of 3.7 dB and the 1x32 maximum 17.45
dB and adding = 21.15 dB. When we do this, and we only are using Class B Optics (at 26.5 dB Loss) we
are left with 5.35 dB of what we call “head room.” Even with the best fiber manufactured, where the
Spectral Attenuation is 0.31 dB per kilometer, we are only able to design for a 17.25 km PON network. All
this, and we still have not included any of the connectors within the Central office or Head End or the
splices in the OSP. The FSANS standards body and splitter manufacturers using newer planer techniques
are pushing the loss of the 1x64 splitter to around 20.4 dB. Remember, these are the maximum allowable
loses per the applicable standards that cover optical couplers; G.671 from the ITU and GR-1209 from
Telcordia.
The design engineer does have some options. In designing the network, we can use premium splitters and
ensure that low loss connectors are used in the network, and also ensure that our fusion splices are well
below 0.05 dB/splice. There are other techniques we can use until the standards have caught up the
technology for 1x64 and higher split ratios.
Splice Splice
Plug -N-Play
Splitter Chassis
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
We have already reviewed the splitter loss within the PON network, and in most instances these losses
occur in the ODN (Connector loss is included in the splitter loss). For the total ODN losses, we take the
total length of the fiber and use the spectral attenuation, all splices in the ODN, and all connectors in the
ODN. What does this all add up in the link loss budget. From the rule of taking the worst case scenario: we
normally take into account the ONT 1310 nm upstream wavelength loss on the fiber distance, and the
mated pair of connectors within the ONT. At the access terminal, we can either provide a splice or
connectorize drop (at least one splice here). We have one splice at the fiber distribution Hub (FDH) splice
case for the distribution fiber F2, and one splice for the feeder fiber F1.
OSP Feeder
Splice Case ONT
Cable (F1) Drop
From CO Fiber Cable
Distributio
n
Distribution Access
Cable (F2) Terminal
FTTP FDH
Cabinet
Access
Terminal
Mounted in
Hand-Hole
Access
Terminal ONT
Distribution
Cable (F2)
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
In reviewing how we look at the TOTAL Link Loss Budget, we are calculating for the physical aspects of the
PON network; the quality and quantity of the splice points, the number and types of connectors, the split
ratios, and finally the fiber. Use the following:
Central Office (CO)- If we are doing cross connect to the active components (preferred method) there are
three (3) mated pairs and a single splice at the Fiber entrance cabinet. (3-APC Connector Mated Pairs at
0.5 dB/Mated Pair, and 0.1 dB/splice) 3x0.5 + 0.1 = 1.6 dB
Spectral Attenuation (SA) - For 20.0 km, the SA for 1310 nm is 0.4 dB. .4 x 20 = 8.0 db.
Splitter Loss - When using the standard 1x32 splitter, the loss = 17.45 dB. (Loss Calculations taken from
ITU Standards Body for Optical Fiber, Optical Techniques and Connectivity Products.)
ODN Splices - Using the total number of Feeder Fiber (F1) Splices to equal 4 (worst case) > 0.1 x 4 = 0.4
dB. Using the total number of Distribution Fiber Splices to equal 3 (worst case) > 0.1 x 3 = 0.3 dB.
ODN APC Connectors - (We are using connectorization techniques at the Access Terminal [MSTs]). We
have seven (2) mated pairs of connectors (1 in the MST, 1 in the ONT) for > 2 X 0.7 = 1.4 dB. We are using
the Telcordia GR-326 Standard for APC connectors in the OSP (worst case) for 0.35 dB/connector or 0.7
dB/mated pair.
Now, let us add all this up. (CO Loss + SA Loss + Splitter Loss + ODN Splice Loss + ODN Connector Loss
= Total Link Loss Budget Loss) 1.6 + 8.0 + 17.45 + 0.7 + 1.4 = 29.15 dB of loss
NOT VERY GOOD........However, these calculations "ON PAPER" are worst case calculations based upon
the standards bodies. It can be argued that these losses are way too high, but over time......, dirty
connectors......, macro bends......, micro bends......, laser degradation......, fiber aging......, additional
splices......
Not an easy task for the design engineer. Now,....., let us look at ways we can reduce the total link loss
budget.
The CO losses will be the same (1.6 dB). We can infer from best practices that the fiber loss will be at
minimal 0.34 dB/km for 1310 nm . 0.34 x 20 = 6.8 dB (maybe we do not go the 20 km, say we go 15 km 15
x 0.34 db = 5.1 dB). Again, using the total number of F1 splices at 4, and most good splicers can get the
loss down to about 0.02 dB/fusion splice > 0.02 x 4 = 0.08 dB and the F2 Splices at 3 > 0.02 x 3 = 0.06
(0.05 dB by many service providers are the minimum requirements based upon the Fusion Splice
"Machine" Reading.). For the 1x32 splitter, we will use the high performance 1x32 where the loss is 16.2
dB. And, we will use the GR-326 maximum loss for OSP connectors at the Access Terminal and ONT to be
the same.
Now, let us add all this up. (CO Loss + SA Loss (15 km) + Splitter Loss + ODN Splice Loss + ODN
Connector Loss = Total Link Loss Budget Loss)
1.6 + 5.1 + 16.2 + 0.14 + 1.4 = 24.44 dB of loss (BETTER BUT NOT GREAT.....)
If using the GPON B+ Optics which tells us that the receiver sensitivity (maximum link loss) is 28 dB, then
the 15 km links will work. If we use a 1x64 splitter in the solution, we will need to add around 2.5 to 3.0 dB
which will put us very close to the maximum for GPON B+ optics.
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Understanding PON Design – FTTx Overview/Glossary
For the Video Overlay considerations, what happens at the OLT and ONT? If the video overlay is used, at
the OLT, there is an external WDM (ADC's) that takes the 1550 nm wavelength from the V-OLT (video
overlay) and 1490 nm wavelength from the OLT (Packet/digital - voice/data) combines or multiplexes the
two wavelengths, and sends them downstream. We are only to consider the implications of the link loss
budget in this context.
The downstream 1550 & 1490 nm wavelengths are then de-muxed at the ONT Triplexer, where the 1550
nm wavelength is sent to an optical to electrical converter where the raw RF (54Mhz - 1.2Ghz) is sent to
the F-connector on the ONT. The 1490 nm wavelength is sent to an optical to electrical converter (digital)
where the electronics (SLIC Chips) take the voice component (TDM) and process for delivery via TR-57
standard RJ-11 jacks on the ONT. The data component is IP based and is handled using Ethernet IEEE
802.3 (10/100 Mbps Base-T) standard and is sent to the RJ-45 jack on the ONT .
The voice and data components are combined electrically within the ONT, and converted to an optical 1310
nm signal for upstream delivery. The 1310 nm wavelength is mixed internally at the ONT WDM and sent
upstream. The 1310 nm wavelength travels the same path as the 1490 nm wavelength (only upstream). At
the OLT (packet/digital), an internal diplexer un-combines (de-muxes) the upstream signal and processes
the same voice and data applications to the OLT electronics.
ADC's current WDM configuration utilizes two (2) input ports as the 1490 nm downstream wavelength and
the 1310nm upstream wavelength travel the same path.
For the link loss budget calculations, the typical loss characteristics for the WDM is 1.2 dB. (0.7 dB for the
muxing/de-muxing mirrors, and 0.5 dB insertion connector loss). For the triplexer within the ONT, the
typical loss characteristic is 0.5 dB (The ONT manufacturer should confirm the loss within the Tri-plexer).
However, most active component manufacturers simply place the ONT tri-plexer loss and WDM loss within
the receiver sensitivity, and is not typically used when calculating the link loss budgets. Today, there is a
4th wavelength to consider when using the RF Overlay. This 4th wavelength is an upstream wavelength
from the ONT. The 4th wavelength is the 1590 nm wavelength used for the RF Return or RFoG (RF Over
Glass) for video on demand (VOD) applications. When using the 4th wavelength, a CWDM is required, and
depending upon the specifications, 0.5 dB may be added to the link loss budget. The combined total loss
for these two components is 1.7 dB. The ADC Specifications for the CWDM is the same as the WDM when
Calculating the link loss budget (1.2 dB).
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