Multi-Criteria Comparison Between Legacy and Next Generation Point of Presence Broadband Network Architectures

Abstract

Development of new applications and the introduction of innovative technologies can lead to revise network architectures in order to build sustainable broadband infrastructures. The present paper describes the main drivers and enabling technologies leading to change the current fixed and mobile network architectures. The limitations of the aggregation network are briefly shown by a description of the legacy network architecture. The advantages of optical access technologies are also depicted. In order to avoid certain bottlenecks in the aggregation segment, an advanced solution called Next Generation Point of Presence (NG-PoP) is presented. The main idea of NG-PoP architecture is to move the existing boundaries between access and aggregation networks. Finally, the NG-PoP architecture is analyzed and compared to the legacy network one according to several criteria such as Quality of Service (QoS), cost criteria, power savings and Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) features.