IEEE Study Suggests Multiple NG-EPON Specs

The IEEE released a Feasibility Assessment for the Next Generation of EPON based on the input of the wide industry ecosystem, including operators, system integrators, chip vendors, optics suppliers and others. Input was collected on the desired features and options for a next generation of EPON, operating at aggregate data rates above 10 Gigabit per second and minimizing the footprint and power consumption in optical access networks.

To address the diversity of market requirements, the referenced communication suggests consideration of multiple NG-EPON solutions, including a multi-wavelength 40G solution with an evolutionary path to 100G and single-wavelength solutions supporting the data rates of 25G symmetric or 25G downstream/10G upstream.

“The new PHYs need to consider the coexistence with the deployed EPON technologies and reuse functions and components of 10G-EPON to the extent possible,” states the IEEE 802.3 communication.

Said Marek Hajduczenia, chair of the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections NG-EPON Ad Hoc and network architect with Bright House Networks: “The IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections NG-EPON Ad Hoc was launched to explore the market potential and technology options for an NG-EPON operating at data rates beyond 10G. The expectation is that information contained within the published communication will help with development of a future Call for Interest for NG-EPON and, afterwards, a new standard within the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group.”

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