Sharing of copper pairs for improving DSL performance in FTTx access networks

In this paper, we analyze two techniques allowing to significantly improve the bit rate per user in the current and future FTTx access networks. They are based on the possibility of sharing copper pairs at data link level among subscribers served by the same distributor. Sharing can be achieved by inserting low-cost devices in the current FTTx access networks. In particular, as shown in this paper, sharing of copper pairs is obtained according to two different approaches. The first approach considers the possibility of increasing bit rate by a radio-shared channel that can be accessed locally by all authorized customer premises equipments (CPEs) inside the building(s). The system providing radio access is connected to the DSLAM by means of extra and temporarily unused copper pairs in the main cable connecting the DSLAM to the distributor. The second approach considers the possibility of inserting an active transceiver device in the current passive distributor(s) bridging the DSLAM to the CPEs. Depending on the activity of CPEs connected at the same distributor, results show that both the solutions allow to achieve very high downstream bit rates per user (about 800 Mb/s at 100 m with 50% CPE activity). Devices to be inserted in the FTTx network can be realized using electronic components currently available on the market.