Prospects of Fiber-Optic Subscriber Loops

Shunji KAIBUCHI  Mitsutoshi HATORI  

Publication
IEICE TRANSACTIONS on Communications   Vol.E75-B    No.9    pp.809-817
Publication Date: 1992/09/25
Online ISSN: 
DOI: 
Print ISSN: 0916-8516
Type of Manuscript: Special Section INVITED PAPER (Special Issue on Fiber-Optic Subscriber Loop)
Category: 
Keyword: 
fiber optic subscriber hop,  network,  B-ISDN,  FTTH,  metallic cable network,  

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Summary: 
Fiber-optic subscriber loops are beginning to be constructed worldwide as an infrastructure for the 21st century. Making the most of the superior transmission capabilities of optical fiber cable, high-speed and broadband services such as so-called Broadband-ISDN (B-ISDN) services are expected to be achieved. We review current trends in fiber-optic systems and discuss how fiber-optic subscriber loops should be implemented from the points of view of services and technology. First, prospective services offered over fiber-optic subscriber loops and resulting requirements for such loops are presented. Various kinds of services produced through fiber-optic subscriber loops will further develop the information-oriented society and have a major influence not only on the industrial world but on family life as well. Next, basic concepts of totally fiber-optic subscriber loops and proposals for shifting from the existing metallic cable network to totally fiber-optic subscriber loops are discussed. In this regard, we must consider the advantages of optical fiber cables and improve upon the disadvantages of the existing metallic cable network. In particular, a Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) system or a Passive Double Star (PDS) have been proposed to shift from the existing metallic cable network to totally fiber-optic subscriber loops effectively and economically. Finally, line configuration topology and latest fiber-optic technologies such as high-count cable, construction techniques and operation systems for use in achieving totally fiber optic subscriber loops are shown. We believe a single star configuration is the most appropriate for totally fiber-optic subscriber loops.