Wavelength options for integrated service passive optical networks

The author briefly outlines some of the issues surrounding the design and implementation of a multi-wavelength passive optical network. It is clear that wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) techniques offer the prospect of enhanced performance but at the present time only two channels, namely those centred on 1300 nm and 1550 nm, will be available at economic cost. Of these, it is apparent that the lower cost 1300 nm components should be employed at the customers terminal. To provide both two way transmission and future upgrading, it may be necessary to deploy two fibres as well as using WDM techniques. This situation may change as technology develops, but multi-wavelength operation will require the development of international standards to ensure that components are available both widely and at economic cost