Press Presse Prensa
Siemens Networks
For the trade press
Munich, February 19, 2007
Successful Siemens research: Passive optical access network with faster data
transmission and extended reach
As part of an innovation project sponsored by the European Union, a research
team from Siemens Networks was able for the first time to transmit error-free at a
data transmission rate of 10 gigabits per second via a passive optical access
network. This is four times faster than the rate previously possible. At the same
time, a 100 kilometer distance between hub and subscribers, the so-called last
mile, could be bridged for the first time. Today only subscribers within a 20 km
radius can be connected. These research results bring within reach the next
generation of subscriber line technology that is making optical networks more
powerful and cost-efficient.
Siemens Networks just recently announced a world record in connection with optical
networks: During an experimental setup, 107 Gbit/s were transmitted in a carrier’s
optical core network. Data rates up to 40 Gbit/s are currently possible in this network
area for commercial operation. Now the research team from Siemens has reached a
new highest record – this time in the optical access network.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is currently the most well-known technology for access
networks, providing data rates of up to 50 Mbit/s. DSL uses the telephone network’s
existing copper twisted pairs. However, future services such as video on-demand, video
conferences, triple play, Voice over IP, digital TV and HDTV (High Definition TV) require
access networks with higher data rates. A fiber optic subscriber line provides the
necessary bandwidth.
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Siemens AG
Corporate Communications
Press Office
D-80312 Munich
Information Number: SN FN 2007 02.05 e
Press Office Networks GmbH & Co KG
Marion Bludszuweit
D-81359 Munich
Phone: +49-89 722 37237
E-mail: marion.bludszuweit@siemens.com
Today’s GPON (Gigabit PON) access networks use data rates of 2.5 Gbit/s from
network to subscriber (downstream) and 1.2 Gbit/s from subscriber to network
(upstream). A central device allows subscribers within a radius up to 20 kilometers to be
connected. In order to reach subscribers living further away, an additional system is
needed – even when the first hub is not yet at full capacity. Moreover, the number of
subscriber lines per hub is limited to 64.
To further optimize PON systems, Siemens Networks is taking part in the European
Union-sponsored innovation program “Multi Service Access Everywhere”. Siemens
developed the prototype for a new PON system as part of the subproject “Extended
reach PON systems”. Using this system, it was possible to increase data transmission
rates to 10 Gbit/s downstream and 2.5 Gbit/s upstream. At the same time, the range
between hub and subscribers was extended to 100 kilometers and the number of
subscriber lines per splitter was expanded to 512.
With the new PON system, network carriers can provide their customers at each hub
greater bandwidth as well as offer cost-efficient lines to subscribers in more sparsely
populated areas. In addition, the higher split factor in urban areas allows considerably
more subscribers to be connected to a system. At the same time, the PON system
eliminates the need for the aggregation devices that are now commonly used to collect
and distribute data traffic locally. In the future, it will be possible to connect subscribers
directly to the core network.
“Faced with the demand for increased bandwidth, the market for optical networks has
experienced a huge upswing in recent years", explains Christian Unterberger, President
Fixed Networks at Siemens Networks. “This is now boosting research and development
as well. We are very confident that we can further develop systems of the next PON
generation to reach final market readiness by the year 2009.”
In its research for the new PON system, Siemens implemented an optical amplifier, a
so-called erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). Only through use of an EDFA can the
extended reach and greater subscriber number be achieved. Optical fibers doped with
the element erbium amplify the optical signal of the system and enable longer
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Siemens AG
Corporate Communications
Press Office
D-80312 Munich
Information Number: SN FN 2007 02.05 e
Press Office Networks GmbH & Co KG
Marion Bludszuweit
D-81359 Munich
Phone: +49-89 722 37237
E-mail: marion.bludszuweit@siemens.com
transmission ranges with higher bandwidth. This device was developed by Siemens in
such a way that a purely optical bi-directional amplification is possible. The result: One
single compact device can boost optical signals both from the end customer to the
exchange and from the exchange to the subscriber.
Background on passive optical networks:
Passive optical networks (PON) lay the foundation for modern, high-bandwidth access
networks. They are used to implement so-called fiber-to-the-home technology (FTTH).
A PON consists of a fiber optic network, rather than the commonly used copper cable,
that is installed to the customer site. Optical transmission of signals via optical fibers
provides higher transmission rates and broader coverage. All subscribers in a PON are
connected using a splitter with a single central device. In addition, the network uses only
passive elements and is therefore low maintenance and energy efficient. PON enables
new applications such as video on-demand in HDTV quality.
Background on “Extended Reach PON Systems”
Extended Reach PON Systems is a subproject of “Multi Service Access Everywhere”
(MUSE). MUSE is an innovation project within the currently ongoing sixth framework
program of the European Commission, FP6, which promotes the research and
development of information and communication technologies.
The goal of the subproject Extended Reach PON Systems was to increase data
transmission rates to 10 Gbit/s downstream and 2.5 Gbit/s upstream. At the same time,
the range was to be extended to 100 kilometers and the number of subscriber lines per
splitter expanded to 512. The project began in 2006 and will officially end by April 2007.
In addition to Siemens, the universities of Eindhoven and Essex, the Heinrich-HertzInstitut Berlin of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and leading European network carriers are
participating in the Extended Reach PON Systems project. The universities are
examining certain technological aspects of the system, while the carriers specify the
features of the system and its applications. With development of the PON prototype
system, the project’s established goal has recently been achieved. In the next step, the
system will undergo joint testing with the participating network carriers.
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Siemens AG
Corporate Communications
Press Office
D-80312 Munich
Information Number: SN FN 2007 02.05 e
Press Office Networks GmbH & Co KG
Marion Bludszuweit
D-81359 Munich
Phone: +49-89 722 37237
E-mail: marion.bludszuweit@siemens.com
Related links:
MUSE http://www.ist-muse.org/
Siemens Networks GmbH & Co KG
Siemens Networks* engages in a dialog with its customers to create trendsetting communications
solutions that help network operators and service providers achieve their business goals. Siemens
Networks contributes its innovative strength, worldwide experience and unsurpassed implementation
expertise in all areas of voice and data communications. As an innovation leader, Siemens Networks
delivers customer value today and prepares customers for tomorrow with trendsetting solutions. Siemens
Networks is a fully-owned subsidiary of Siemens AG and operates in about 100 countries.
* Siemens Networks will merge into a 50-50 joint venture with the Nokia Networks Business Group,
creating a telecommunications powerhouse that will be called Nokia Siemens Networks. The new
company will be a global communications leader with strong positions in key growth segments of the fixed
and mobile network infrastructure and services, featuring a world-class fixed-mobile convergence
capability. Nokia Siemens Networks is expected to start operations in the first quarter 2007, subject to
fulfillment of the closing conditions and agreement on a number of detailed implementation steps.
More about Siemens Networks at www.siemens.com/networks
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Siemens AG
Corporate Communications
Press Office
D-80312 Munich
Information Number: SN FN 2007 02.05 e
Press Office Networks GmbH & Co KG
Marion Bludszuweit
D-81359 Munich
Phone: +49-89 722 37237
E-mail: marion.bludszuweit@siemens.com