An evolutionary transport structure for local loop distribution using RF subcarriers

An evolutionary transport structure for local loop distribution based on RF subcarrier multiplexing and wavelength-division multiplexing is discussed. Issues relating to technology and cost are discussed. The transport structure provides private, high-bit-rate, premium services to business sites, and broadcast, low-bit-rate, low-cost services to residential users. The structure is transparent to various protocols or modulation schemes and can be configured to suit different needs. Up to 60 analog FM broadcast video channels downstream and 4 analog FM video channels upstream (or a single 155-Mb/s broadband ISDN channel) per subscriber can be provided for 16 subscribers per fiber feeder. It is possible that the transport structure could be deployed affordably in the near future. Future upgrades and expansions are possible because the transport structure is compatible with most promising future technologies. Various tradeoffs are also discussed.>