Building tomorrow's access network: next generation HFC and FTTC access architectures
C. Bonang · 2000
With consumer demand for high-speed Internet access, multiple voice lines, and video-on-demand (VOD) growing rapidly, telecommunications service providers in the process of constructing networks must choose an architecture that supports today's applications, while providing a migration path for the delivery of future services. Hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) systems are increasingly being recognized world-wide as the only proven residential access network that can supply the massively scalable bandwidth necessary to deliver advanced bundled services. Extending fiber nodes to the sub-100 home level, and using DWDM to segment the bandwidth to these nodes provides operators with a scalable and cost-effective method to offer services, regardless of the magnitude of bandwidth required. In addition, “hubless” architectures are now available that are quickly deployable and inexpensive to operate. This paper explores new concepts in HFC architectures. Options which are considered include placing CMTS/INA functionality in the fiber node, Ethernet fiber to the curb (FTTC) and fiber to the home (FTTH). Although these solutions are particularly effective for new builds, they are also applicable when upgrading existing HFC systems. (7 pages)