Access to continue PON interoperability plugfest success and FWA innovations for MDU connectivity

March 20, 2025

The Access Work Area focuses on developing technical specifications and test plans that deliver multi-vendor interoperability for last mile broadband deployments across access network technologies such as fiber, copper, and wireless networks (HS-PON, XGS-PON, 25GS, NG-PON, Gfast, etc.).

In Progress:

The Access Architecture and Framework Project Stream has started a new project: WT-523 ‘Architecture and Requirements for Fiber and Multi-tenant Fixed Wireless Access Extension.’ The specification will focus on describing the architecture and requirements for extending the fiber or multi-tenant wireless access to reach each apartment within an Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) using MoCA Access over existing point-to-point or point-to-multipoint coaxial cable.

The project stream also reviewed several energy saving contributions into WT-280 PON requirements, which generated good discussions and encouraged continued collaboration in this area.

The Access Interoperability and Test Project Stream continued work on PON and MoCA Access test plans:

  • WT-255 OLT-ONT Interoperability Test Plan contributions were reviewed.
  • WT-309 PON TC Layer Test Plan contributions were reviewed.
  • WT-423 PON PMD Test Plan Straw Ballot resolution was completed and will be prepared for Final Ballot in the future.
  • WT-500 MoCA Test Plan contributions were reviewed.

The Access Management Project Stream continued to work on PON contributions, specifically:

  • WT-385 PON YANG contributions were reviewed.
  • WT-489 ONU Authentication contributions were reviewed.

The project stream deferred WT-505 ONU Management at Scale and WT-496 MoCA YANG contributions for a future meeting.

Access Work Area held two brainstorming sessions on improvements to BBF PON certification and power saving/sustainability during the Spring 2025 Meeting, with a further session on security set to take place at the Summer 2025 Meeting in Munich.

Events:

Access is involved in a number of PON plugfests for XGS, 25GS, and HSP PON systems taking place this year:

  • A successful PON Plugfest was held with AT&T Labs and LANPARK in February, with testing taking place on 25GS-PON TC and OMCI, and HSP TC Layer.
  • A PON Plugfest will be held on July 7-11 in LANPARK’s testing facility in France. The scope of the plugfest will be discussed in the interim before the Summer 2025 Meeting.
  • A PON Plugfest will be held on October 6-10 in UNH-IOL’s testing facility in Durham, New Hampshire. The scope will be discussed after the Summer plugfest in France.

For more on the Access Work Area’s ongoing projects, please see: https://wiki.broadband-forum.org/display/BBF/Access+Work+Area.

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