Converged optical networks for multimedia distribution and data services in hospitality environments

Abstract

Current hospitality networks are already lagging behind in terms of broadband adoption and high-speed online offered services, and they might not be able to cope with the increasing bandwidth demands required to distribute high-definition video traffic. We propose the use of a converged optical network adapted to the specific needs of the hospitality environment, providing a future-proof and easy to manage solution based on optical fiber wiring, together with radio-over-fiber techniques for wireless access. For short distance installations with reduced transmission losses, the use of plastic optical fiber will significantly lower the infrastructure costs. We use detailed full-system simulations to analyze the validity of such infrastructure to provide a unified, pervasive and future-proof all-optical solution. Bandwidth loads in excess of 5 Gb/s have been detected on the architecture, while being able to serve high-definition TV channels with ultra low latencies. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.