PON vs. P2P Debate: The Next Generation
Introduction
WDM-PON represents the ideal combination of technology and topology for FTTH, yet the prospect of commercialization remains remote. Ovum thinks the current domination of TDM-PON will continue for the next several years, with the initial 10G-EPON and 10G-GPON shipments likely to pick up momentum in specific markets. P2P will remain a niche market for residential access.
Features and benefits
Among current-generation FTTH technologies, PON in general, but GPON in particular, enjoy advantages over Active Ethernet P2P.
Over 2009 and 2010, GPON picked up considerable momentum, currently exceeding Active Ethernet P2P sales by far on a global basis. On a regional basis, the gap between the two differed.
Among next-generation FTTH technologies, Ovum considers TDM-PON and WDM-PON to be evenly balanced with separate and sometimes overlapping pros and cons on either side. However, the lack of a timeline for WDM-PON standardization is a severe drawback that makes Ovum nominate TDM-PON the current winner.
Your key questions answered
WDM-PON represents the ideal combination of technology and topology for FTTH, yet the prospect of commercialization remains remote. Ovum thinks the current domination of TDM-PON will continue for the next several years, with the initial 10G-EPON and 10G-GPON shipments likely to pick up momentum in specific markets. P2P will remain a niche market for residential access.
Features and benefits
- Explains the pros and cons of TDM-PON versus P2P
- Explains the connection to next-generation FTTH PON and P2P migration.
Among current-generation FTTH technologies, PON in general, but GPON in particular, enjoy advantages over Active Ethernet P2P.
Over 2009 and 2010, GPON picked up considerable momentum, currently exceeding Active Ethernet P2P sales by far on a global basis. On a regional basis, the gap between the two differed.
Among next-generation FTTH technologies, Ovum considers TDM-PON and WDM-PON to be evenly balanced with separate and sometimes overlapping pros and cons on either side. However, the lack of a timeline for WDM-PON standardization is a severe drawback that makes Ovum nominate TDM-PON the current winner.
Your key questions answered
- What are the pros and cons of TDM-PON versus P2P, versus WDM-PON?
- When will WDM-PON be commercially viable?
SUMMARY
In a nutshell
Ovum view
Key messages
CURRENT-GENERATION FTTH NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES
GPON enjoys benefits over Active Ethernet P2P, outpacing growth globally
NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES
10G-GPON, 10G-EPON, AND WDM-PON EVENLY MATCHED; WDM-PON LOSES DUE TO LACK OF STANDARDIZATION
What will change after two years?
ECOC 2010 DISCUSSION ON PON VS. P2P
Differences in outlook among carriers, OTT providers like Google, and vendors
Topology-versus-technology comparison
Ideal next-gen network – WDM-PON, but no closer to commercial reality
Beyond 10G capacity for PON
Reducing opex a key objective of service providers and impacts the choice of technology and topology for FTTH deployment
Consensus: Combinations of TDM-PON and P2P will coexist for a long time
APPENDIX
Methodology
Author
Ovum Consulting
Disclaimer
In a nutshell
Ovum view
Key messages
CURRENT-GENERATION FTTH NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES
GPON enjoys benefits over Active Ethernet P2P, outpacing growth globally
NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES
10G-GPON, 10G-EPON, AND WDM-PON EVENLY MATCHED; WDM-PON LOSES DUE TO LACK OF STANDARDIZATION
What will change after two years?
ECOC 2010 DISCUSSION ON PON VS. P2P
Differences in outlook among carriers, OTT providers like Google, and vendors
Topology-versus-technology comparison
Ideal next-gen network – WDM-PON, but no closer to commercial reality
Beyond 10G capacity for PON
Reducing opex a key objective of service providers and impacts the choice of technology and topology for FTTH deployment
Consensus: Combinations of TDM-PON and P2P will coexist for a long time
APPENDIX
Methodology
Author
Ovum Consulting
Disclaimer
