Abstract

Optical couplers/splitters are widely used in passive optical access networks serving business and residential customers today. These passive components allow for cost-effective utilization of transmitters, and they increase the overall scalability of access networks. When planning for deployment of a passive optical network, many important considerations are taken into account. Among these is the choice of what overall passive split ratio (e.g. 1⨉16, 1⨉32, etc.) to design for, and at which location(s) in the network these components should be placed. The consequences of these decisions, as will be discussed later, can significantly affect the overall cost, efficiency and upgrade capability of an all-optical access network.

© 2005 Optical Society of America