NG-PON2 Technology and Standards

This paper provides a tutorial overview of the latest generation of passive optical network (PON) technology standards nearing completion in ITU-T. The system is termed NG-PON2 and offers a fiber capacity of 40 Gbit/s by exploiting multiple wavelengths at dense wavelength division multiplexing channel spacing and tunable transceiver technology in the subscriber terminals (ONUs). Here, the focus is on the requirements from network operators that are driving the standards developments and the technology selection prior to standardization. A prestandard view of the main physical layer optical specifications is also given, ahead of final ITU-T approval.