TABLE OF CONTENTS EPONs are an emerging access network technology that provide a low-cost method of deploying optical access lines between a carrier s CO and a customer site. EPONs build on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard G.983 for ATM PONs (APON) and seek to achieve the dream of a full-services access network (FSAN) that delivers converged data, video, and voice over a single optical access system.
PON can support transmission up to 12 miles, depending on the number of customers on the network and the capabilities of the laser signal regeneration, which is why it s only targeted for short metro links. Carriers are just beginning to deploy PON, with players such as Quantum Bridge, Paceon, and Optical Solutions offering systems today.
PONs address the last mile of the communications infrastructure between the service provider s CO, head end, and POP, and business or residential customer locations. Usually, only large enterprises can afford to pay the $3,200 to $4,300 a month it costs to lease a DS-3 circuit (45 Mbps) or optical carrier (OC- n) SONET connection. T1s that cost $375 a month (average) are an option for some medium-size businesses, but most small- and medium-size enterprises and residential customers are left with few options beyond Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) and dial-up Internet access at 56 Kbps. Where available, DSL and cable modems offer a more affordable interim solution, but these services are difficult and time consuming...
