An OFDMA-Based Optical Access Network Architecture Exhibiting Ultra-High Capacity and Wireline-Wireless Convergence

This paper presents a novel optical access network architecture based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology and applied on a Passive Optical Network (PON) topology. In compliance with Next Generation Optical Access (NGOA) requirements, this architecture targets to outperform existing PON solutions in terms of total capacity, bandwidth allocation flexibility, number of users and network reach. Moreover, it provides the opportunity for convergence with wireless technologies and a smooth migration path from legacy access solutions like TDMA-PONs and DSL. Index Terms--Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, OFDM, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access OFDMA, Passive Optical Network, PON, OFDMA-PON, Next Generation Optical Access, NGOA, Wireline-Wireless Convergence.