CableLabs Releases First CPON Specifications, Defining Next-Generation PON Technology

CableLabs is excited to announce the first issued versions of the Coherent PON (CPON) Physical Media Dependent (PMD) Layer and Transmission Convergence (TC) Layer specifications defining the core of CPON technology. CPON is the next generation of PON technology that will enable unconstrained network capability in the Adaptive Era of broadband innovation.

CPON devices provide 100 Gbps of usable capacity on a single wavelength, and CPON systems will be capable of supporting 4 or more wavelengths, enabling future capacity upgrades without truck rolls. CPON technology also features support for ultra-low latency, which — when combined with increased capacity — opens up new service opportunities beyond residential services, including network aggregation, mobile xhaul and enterprise services. CPON systems operate with higher split ratios and/or over longer distances than current PON technologies — up to a 512 split in short distances, or up to 80 km with lower splits — adapting to a wide variety of network scenarios and enabling reduced deployment costs.

• The PMD specification defines how CPON operates at the physical layer over the fiber. This ensures that compliant optical line terminals (OLTs) at operator hubs or central offices can interoperate seamlessly with optical network units (ONUs) in customer homes, which enables a vibrant vendor ecosystem.
• The TC specification defines how the PMD layer interacts with other network layers to enable the transport of data and is based upon the Common TC Layer recommendation developed by the ITU-T, simplifying integration into operator networks.

Together, these specifications provide the core definition for how a CPON system will operate. To learn more, download the specifications, PMD Layer and TC Layer, or read more on the CableLabs blog.