Optical Networks, 3rd Edition

chapter 11

Access Networks

IN PREVIOUS CHAPTERS, we have explored the use of optical networks for metro and long-haul network applications. The access network is the “last leg” of the telecommunications network that runs from the service provider’s facility to the home or business. With fiber now directly available to many office buildings in metropolitan areas, networks based on SONET/SDH or Ethernet-based technologies are being used to provide high-speed access to large business users. Business users are big consumers of data services, many of which are delivered in the form of leased lines at various speeds ranging from 1.5 Mb/s to several gigabits per second. While this is happening, the telephone and cable companies are also placing a significant ...