Optical services in future broadband networks

Optical transmission technology is progressing to the point where it can deliver data at rates that can strain conventional electronic broadband networks. We discuss how optical networks may play a role in relieving this strain. Different optical network architectures are discussed according to the services they provide, the technologies used to implement those services, and the geographical size of the network. We first discuss broadband network architectures and where optics might play a role in the protocol stack. We then discuss in detail the services optical networks can provide, the technologies used to implement those services, and some of the major technological limitations. Finally, we use this knowledge base to analyze the potential role of optics in WANs, MANs, and then local area networks (LANs)