Planning methodology towards next generation optical access networks

Access networks are continuously evolving to increase the bandwidth to their users. In order to be able to offer more than 100Mbps per user, Next Generation Optical Access (NGOA) Networks are being considered. These architectures offer new advantages, not only higher bandwidth per user but also a significant increase of client count (hundreds per port) as well as an increase of the reach which promises substantial savings. This paper proposes a planning methodology which allows operators to compare different alternatives as well as to analyse the expected benefits. A particular use case of an access operator is taken as example.