Performance analysis of next generation-PON (NG-PON) architectures

Next generation passive optical networks (NG-PONs) is the natural development of PONs toward achieving higher data rates, larger counts of wavelength channels, and longer fiber ranges. NG-PON can be implemented as high speed time division multiplexing (TDM), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), Hybrid TDM/WDM, optical code division multiplexing (OCDM) PON. Many enhancements and adaptations are occurring in order to offer higher bandwidths with higher number of subscribers. This includes coverage area that is increasing to reach of 100km and more, e.g. the LR-PON. In addition, the wireless access network is gradually going to be integrated with PON systems, e.g. FiWi network. In this paper, we examine the different promising architectures for NG-PON. A comparison between key network specifications such as data rates and power budget has been reported. Moreover, we study different state-of-the-art technologies that will potentially be used for NG-PONs. We discuss the different characteristics of NG-PON showing the important contributions and challenges of various NG-PON demonstrations.