Next-Generation PONs: A Performance Investigation of Candidate Architectures for Next-Generation Access Stage 1

Driven by bandwidth-demanding video applications, next-generation access stage 1, proposed by FSAN as the first stage of next-generation passive optical networks, increases the subscriber bandwidth by upgrading the current GPON network. To reduce the upgrading cost, NGA1 conforms to the standardized GPON and the deployed optical distribution network. This article presents the investigation of five candidate NGA1 architectures from the perspective of the MAC-layer bandwidth allocation including the analysis of the traffic characteristics of the subscribers' applications and the criteria in mapping them into proper transmission containers. Extensive simulations were conducted to investigate and compare the performances of the five candidate NGA1 architectures.