1 Type of study

Task-oriented Question that should result in a set of new Recommendations.

2 Motivation

Recent fibre optical transmission technology allows extending fibre networks to the curb, the building or the home.

Fibre networks can be brought closer to users' premises than hybrid fibre coaxial networks.

Fibre technology can provide the higher capacity in the forward and return channel, which is required for the provision of typical cable television services, including interactive ones.

3 Questions

- Which mechanisms can be used to transport multichannel analogue and/or digital television signals over fibre networks, in view of the high loss of optical splitters used for PON (passive optical networks)?

- Which mechanisms can be used to ensure the low composite distortion and high CNR (carrier-to-noise ratio) that are required for FDM (frequency division multiplex) transport of mixed analogue and digital television signals over fibre networks?

4 Expected results and anticipated target dates

The study will result in a first new Recommendation by the end of 2001.

5 Relationships

Liaison with SG 15 is needed in the study of this Question.