The Path to Connectivity’s Future
Fiber optics stands at the forefront of the global fixed-access technology landscape, solidifying its status as the largest and most rapidly expanding technology in this domain. As of 2022, a staggering 75% of all fixed broadband connections are attributed to fiber, marking its dominance in the industry.
The surge in fiber adoption can be attributed to the universal demand for high-speed connectivity, further intensified by the shifts in digital behavior induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiber optics is recognized as the most future-proof and environmentally friendly method of delivering high-speed broadband to the masses, and broadband operators and governments are increasingly inclined to replace legacy infrastructure with fiber optics.
A key factor contributing to the success of fiber optics is its adaptability. With each new iteration of passive optical network (PON) technology (such as GPON, XGS-PON, and 25G PON), integration into existing networks becomes seamless, requiring no alterations to the external infrastructure. Once deployed, fiber broadband infrastructure boasts a lifespan of over 50 years, cementing fiber as a lasting solution.
Recent advancements in PON technology have changed perceptions regarding the role of fiber access networks. Initially associated with residential broadband services, these networks are increasingly recognized as versatile infrastructures capable of connecting diverse elements. Industry 4.0, 5G mobile transport, smart cities, wholesale, and residential and business broadband services represent opportunities for a singular high-capacity, high-performance fiber access infrastructure. Consequently, the paradigm is shifting from focusing on fiber-to-the-home to a broader concept—Fiber for Everything.
Adoption of Fiber for Everything facilitates a wider range of services and generates additional revenue streams, resulting in accelerated monetization and enhanced return on investment (ROI). The compelling business case for Fiber for Everything is driving increased investment, attracting new investors, and expediting fiber broadband deployments globally.
The Evolution of Unified Fiber Networks
For many years, the vision of a single, high-revenue-generating network capable of delivering myriad services has been compelling. Today, this vision is feasible and presents a compelling opportunity driven by two key factors.
Multi-Gigabit Capacity
Firstly, fiber is available in nearly every corner, street, and building, eliminating the need for extensive trenching when expanding services to businesses or anyhaul. This widespread accessibility reduces overall costs and expedites the time to market for connecting new endpoints.
The second driving force behind this transformative shift is the continual improvement in Passive Optical Network (PON) performance. Over the past 15 years, fiber bitrates have increased a hundredfold. From GPON to XGS-PON and the recent introduction of 25G PON, the technology now boasts multi-gigabit capacity with no signs of slowing down. The ongoing development of 50G and 100G PON technologies and standardization efforts position PON as a future-proof solution.
PON’s substantial capacity enables the amalgamation of multiple services from diverse networks onto a single fiber infrastructure. Furthermore, the flexibility of fiber allows different PON technologies with varying bitrates to coexist on the same fiber, catering to specific needs such as XGS-PON for consumers and small businesses and 25G PON for enterprises and mobile transport.
Zero-touch Operations
A crucial enabler of this unified fiber landscape is the progress in Software-Defined Access Networking (SDAN) and cloud-based network programmability. SDAN extracts network functions and data from physical elements, hosting them in the cloud. This facilitates the creation of a programmable and automated network, seamlessly integrating into multi-service, multi-technology, and multi-vendor environments.
Network Slicing
The introduction of network slicing by SDAN allows the segmentation of a physical network into discrete virtual networks, each optimized for specific services. This enhances flexibility for organizations sharing common infrastructure while managing it independently based on their unique needs.