10G GPON may challenge WDM-PON

What's the next PON? It may be GPON to network operators who have not even deployed gigabit passive optical network yet (and we're talking about most network operators). However, for technology speculators, it is never too early to start placing bets on the next, next big thing. For many companies, wavelength division multiplexing-PON (WDM-PON) is the next PON they are thinking about. But, Alcatel-Lucent, who has been a WDM-PON doubter in the past, argues that 10 Gbps GPON presents natural progression for GPON-bound carriers that will be less expensive than WDM-PON.

Meanwhile, Nortel Networks recent placed a marker on WDM-PON when its venture with LG acquired WDM-PON pioneer Novera Optics. What do you think? WDM-PON? 10G GPON? Still too busy with broadband PON or GPON to think about it? That's fine. We have a lot of time to let this particular debate unfold.

For more:
- see this report at Light Reading

Related articles:
Alcatel-Lucent is a known WDM-PON doubter. Alcatel-Lucent report
LG-Nortel recently acquired Novera Optics. LG-Nortel report