Fiber-Wireless Access Networks Optimization
Summary
In recent years, fibre-wireless (FiWi) access networks have emerged as a leading solution to meet the growing demands for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity. By seamlessly integrating passive optical networks (PON) and wireless front ends, FiWi architectures combine the expansive bandwidth and reliability of fibre with the flexibility and mobility of wireless technologies. Optimisation of these hybrid networks centres on resource allocation, quality of service (QoS) provisioning, energy efficiency and resilience. Key approaches include dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) algorithms at the optical line terminal (OLT), advanced scheduling in wireless distributed channel access protocols and energy-aware schemes such as renewable energy integration at the optical network units (ONUs). Recent developments focus on joint tuning of PON parameters and wireless medium-access schemes to satisfy diverse traffic profiles – from real-time voice and video to best-effort data – while minimising delay, packet loss and energy consumption. Practical applications range from 5G broadband access in urban environments to cost-effective deployments in rural areas. Continued research addresses challenges in heterogeneous QoS mapping, energy-constrained operations and reliability under fault conditions, paving the way for future-proof, ubiquitous broadband infrastructures.
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Fiber-Wireless Access Networks Optimization publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in fiber-wireless access networks optimization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
FiWi: A hybrid access network that integrates optical fibre backhaul with wireless front-end technologies to deliver high-capacity, flexible connectivity.
Passive Optical Network (PON): A point-to-multipoint fibre network architecture that uses unpowered optical splitters to serve multiple end users.
Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA): A mechanism at the optical line terminal that dynamically distributes upstream bandwidth among ONUs based on demand.
Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA): A priority-based medium-access control protocol in IEEE 802.11 standards, providing differentiated QoS for wireless traffic classes.
Highest Cost First (HCF) Algorithm: A scheduling strategy that prioritises traffic flows based on service cost metrics to optimise bandwidth mapping and QoS.
Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Allocation Algorithm: A resource-management scheme that assigns solar panels to network units according to energy availability and load requirements.
References
- Resource Allocation and QoS Guarantees for Real World IP Traffic in Integrated XG-PON and IEEE802.11e EDCA Networks. IEEE Access (2020).
- Highest Cost First-Based QoS Mapping Scheme for Fiber Wireless Architecture. Photonics (2020).
- Resource Allocation in Solar-Powered FiWi Networks. IEEE Access (2020).
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