Overview

Components for Optical Monitoring of Access Networks

The project deals with the availability and efficient operation of the physical layer infrastructure of future broadband optical access networks. The target is to implement a new functionality into optical access systems that helps to ensure proper performance of the fiber links, to enable early detection of problems and to enable for proactive repair actions. This leads to shortened reaction times for protection switching, and thus improves customer satisfaction and reduces network operators’ operational expenses at the same time.

The large number of different network architectures and protocols to be found in optical access networks as well as the large amount of individual fiber links to be supervised requires a generic approach such that the solutions will be applicable to a large variety of different networks. The measurement capabilities shall be closely integrated into the transmission line equipment requiring development of small and low cost diagnostic tools. The targeted accuracy is adapted to the requirements of the specific links, rather than being high performance tools as in general purpose laboratory equipment.

The cost savings achieved by these innovative embedded monitoring devices in combination with efficient management procedures will help network operators and service providers to offer broadband access at a price that is affordable for everybody.

Project funding: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)

Project executing organisation: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)

Project duration: 01.02.2007 - 31.01.2009

Partners: