Abstract
Fixed-broadband access technology is evolving from exclusively copper-based solutions to hybrid fiber-copper architectures. This article presents the expected next step in the evolution of broadband systems, which we call the fourth-generation broadband concept. It identifies a technical, infrastructural, and economical niche and describes how the fiber-access network is extended and forked to feed a last and ultimate generation of DSL systems, shown to have gigabit potential. The underlying infrastructural concept is presented, economic aspects are described and discussed, and achievable data rates are calculated.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 62-69 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | IEEE Communications Magazine |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Broadband communication
- Optical fiber cables
- Optical fiber communication
- Optical fiber devices
- Optical fiber networks
- Optical fibers
- Wires