10G EPON Brings Advantages to the Fiber Access Network

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Abstract
As the deployment of Fiber to the Home (FTTH) technologies in the access network accelerates, vendors and technology innovators are looking ahead to solve next-generation applications' bandwidth requirements. These applications, such as high-definition IPTV delivery and multimedia distribution systems, will demand far greater bandwidth than current broadband access technologies provide. One attractive new option is 10 Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (10G EPON) technology. It offers a ten-fold leap in bandwidth to 10 gigabits per second in the broadband access network over fiber while providing core protocol compatibility with current 1G EPON solutions.

The 10G EPON draft specification, IEEE 802.3av, released in late 2007, is currently in final review with ratification expected in mid-2009. This standard builds on compatibility with the previous EPON standard. Since the standard focuses narrowly on changes to the PHY layer and the technical aspects of the specification are not expected to change during the approval process, vendors can move forward confidently using the current specification as a basis for product development. It is expected that the industry will be ready and products will be mature enough for widespread deployments based on 10G EPON to occur by 2010.

About PMC
PMC-Sierra is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for metro, access, fiber to the home, wireless infrastructure, storage, laser printers, and fiber access gateway equipment. PMC-Sierra offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe, Israel and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com..

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