Semiconductor Optical Amplifier in WDM-PON-A Review

Passive optical networks (PONs) have emerged as the dominant optical access technology for future optical access networks. In this paper, WDM-based optical access networks and use of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) in PON's are discussed. These types of amplifier are used as a power booster in passive optical networks. The main aim for introducing optical amplification through SOAs is cost reduction as well as all optical signal processings. It is because of strong nonlinearities and their fast dynamics. As a result fewer Cos (Central Offices) produce lower opex, while amplification before the PON splitter means higher split ratios. Advantageously, the same central office equipment can serve more end customers.