IEEE Investigates EPON over Coax

The IEEE has launched a study group to investigate a new PHY (Physical Layer) standard for operating the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) protocol transparently over coaxial distribution networks. The goal would be to use IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specifications to significantly boost and broaden the capabilities of Ethernet in existing access networks.


IEEE 802.3 EPON specifications include symmetric data rates of 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps, as well as asymmetric data rates of 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream.


“Operating EPON transparently over coax is a significant step forward. It will help to transform the industry by greatly simplifying operator networks while simultaneously offering subscribers easy and efficient access to dramatically increased bandwidth,�? said Howard Frazier, chair, IEEE 802.3 EPoC Study Group and senior technical director, Broadcom Corporation. “The ability to leverage existing Ethernet infrastructures and cable plant investments while offering a ten-fold increase in data speeds is revolutionary.�?


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