Spectral slicing passive optical access network trial

An Ethernet passive optical network (PON) based on spectral slicing that has 24 channels has been demonstrated, and this can be readily extended to 32 to 40 channels using available arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) and EDFA technologies. Further development of these technologies towards larger numbers of channels, larger optical bandwidths, lower prices and mass production is expected to bring their volume cost to levels acceptable also for residential broadband access. The most critical remaining technological question lies with LED sources. Particularly, the temperature sensitivity of LED sources is critical in the ONU environment. In the field trial the high-quality video services offered were highly popular. The number of broadband services in the public Internet was found to be limited and the bandwidth needs seen in the trial were well below the capacity of the system.