Photonic integration

Since 2000 global network traffic is dominated by internet (IP) data, with growth rates in the order of 100 % per year. This explosive growth would have been impossible without the introduction of optical technology in the network. With the rapidly increasing bit rates required in the access network optical technology penetrates rapidly to the users and an increasing number of FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) pilot projects can be observed, with Japan and Korea taking the lead in large scale deployment. Close to the end users of the network cost is a major issue and we will have to provide a steadily increasing amount of bandwidth against an essentially constant price. This is only possible through a steady process of technical innovation. Photonic integration is the key technology for providing this steady innovation over a long term period and it is, therefore, a key enabler for a broadband access network.