FIBRE DEPLOYMENT
even more substantial increase by the end of 2021, involves multiple technologies – from 1G EPON and 2.5G GPON to XG-PON and XGS-PON (Figure 2). While the clear trend among operators is to expand their fibre services using 10G technologies, there are still hundreds of operators who will continue to rely on 2.5G GPON as the workhorse for their fibre networks for years to come. Te diversity in PON technology choices
specifically reflects the fact that fibre networks are no longer being considered for just residential applications. Instead, the same fibre networks that deliver residential services are now also being used for business and wholesale access. Additionally, the global expansion of 5G networks and continued small cell densification are opening up opportunities for 10G technologies to be used in both mid-haul and backhaul applications. For operators considering a fibre
deployment or network expansion, the key decision points used to be ‘how many homes can I pass?’ and ‘what percentage of those homes will become subscribers?’ While those remain critical metrics, the ROI equation for fibre networks has become increasingly easier given the additional revenue potential from wholesale and business services, in addition to providing mid-haul and backhaul functions for a growing network of 5G small cells. Te application and technology roadmap for PON networks and technologies has become much clearer, making it easier for operators to justify the initial construction and buildout costs of their fibre networks. Adding more incentive for operators to
expand their PON networks has been the growing commercial availability of combo cards and optics, which can support 2.5G GPON, XG-PON, or XGS-PON from the same platorm. Tese multi-technology options allow operators with existing PON deployments to begin the process of upgrading their networks to 10G on
Figure1: Global FTTH subscribers by region
a gradual basis, without having to do a flash cut of entire service areas. Instead, operators can continue to deliver 2.5G GPON services to the bulk of their residential subscribers, while allocating XGS-PON wavelengths to business or high-end residential subscribers. Operators can then spread out the costs of more expensive 10G ONTs across a longer period of time. More importantly, combo cards and
optics don’t force operators to change any aspects of their existing ODN (Optical Distribution Network), allowing them to continue amortising those initial construction and equipment costs over a longer period of time. From feeder and distribution cables to ducts, poles, and spliters, the co-existence of multiple PON technologies and re-use of the existing ODN is critical for operators around the world.
Fibre everywhere Te global trend toward the deployment and expansion of fibre networks has never been
“
There is simply no turning back now for broadband subscribers who either upgraded or switched to an FTTH service”
clearer. What began in a handful of countries just a decade ago has proliferated to hundreds of countries and thousands of network operators globally. Fuelled by new applications, new subscriber requirements, and new competition, operators clearly see their networks of today and tomorrow relying on fibre. Te roadmap for fibre technologies and
use cases continues to expand, along with the knowledge and implementation of best practices. Tose two trends alone will continue to provide operators with strong incentives to deploy fibre and future-proof their networks for decades to come. Finally, network equipment vendors are
expanding their product and service portolios to become more comprehensive partners to fibre providers. From in-home networking equipment to ODN infrastructure and central office equipment, these suppliers are adding network design and consulting capabilities to help their service provider customers reduce the cost of deploying fibre networks and speed their time to market.n
Figure2: Global PON equipment revenue 22
Jeff Heynen is responsible for the Broadband Access and Home Networking market research program at Dell’Oro Group
Fibre Yearbook 2022
Dell’Oro Group
Dell’Oro Group
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