Amplified gigabit PON systems [Invited]

Feature Issue on Passive Optical Network Architectures and TechnologiesWe describe how a passive optical network (PON) extender box can be implemented at standard PON wavelengths (1310 and 1490nm) using either optical fiber amplifiers (praseodymium and thulium) or semiconductor optical amplifiers to further increase the physical reach and split of a current standardized PON system such as a G-PON or GE-PON. The transparency to PON protocol of this approach means no changes to the existing standards are required. This is attractive as operators and vendors are keen to fully exploit the investment made in current PON standards.