Special Section on Photonic Technologies for Access Networks

摘要

Optical fiber has reached almost every home, and broadband access environments have been realized based on the Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) system. The FTTH system provides subscribers with various services with an access rate of l00Mb/s. These services include telephone, easy internet access, the provision of video on demand, and the opportunity to view lots of TV programs. The number of FTTH subscribers has now exceeded 15 million in Japan, and FTTH is spreading throughout the world. This represents the realization of a long-term dream that began with the birth of optical fiber communication in the 1880s. The FTTH system is now an important infrastructure supporting the ICT society, and it will be expanded to create secure and safe communities.