We propose a new optical access network concept named “Mini-PON.” This concept features the separation of passive optical network (PON)-optical line terminal (OLT) functions into micro module-type hardware that offers switch port pluggability and minimal modular software running on a server to literally minimize the space needed for PON deployment, giving more flexibility to operators who want to deploy PONs in various fields quickly and cost effectively. We explore the optimal function split between hardware and software to balance performance and flexibility. A prototype demonstrates that the proposed implementation architecture can perform as well as a conventional PON in terms of throughput and upstream latency, while also realizing (i) dynamic bandwidth allocation softwarization and modularization via standards-based application programming interfaces and (ii) remote placement of the hardware module from the central office on which the OLT software runs: both are key advances.

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NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories has been promoting new access system architecture called FASA ® (Flexible Access System Architecture), and researching and developing the modularization of functions making up the access system. This article introduces the technology behind the software modularization of the dynamic bandwidth allocation function, which was announced in a press release in November 2018 and demonstrated for the first time at NTT R&D Forum 2018 Autumn.