Flexibility and broadband evolution

This paper focuses on the question of which broadband technologies that are currently available (and/or under development) enable evolutionary paths for broadband (symmetrical bandwidth of 10 Mbps¹) deployment in the local loop, leaving options open for new developments. The paper is relevant to policymakers and telecommunication operators who are faced with emerging technologies and who need to make short-term decisions about upgrading networks under risk and uncertainty. The concept of evolutionary paths and the advantages involved, such as smaller and more flexible investments and an increased adaptability to market developments, are addressed. Several wired and wireless transmission media are discussed on the basis of criteria like network capacity, reach, compatibility, standardization, maturity and technical and geographical scalability. Broadband technologies like ADSL2+, Etherloop, EFMC, CMTS+, Narad networks; EttH, EPON, APON, Optical Ethernet, LMDS, MMDS, FSO and HFR are assessed on the basis of these criteria. Starting from this assessment, migration paths for copper, cable and wireless technologies are presented and discussed.