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Question 1/5

Question 1/5 – Copper cables, networks and fibre-optic connection hardware for broadband access
(Continuation of Question 10/5)

Motivation

Along with rapid evolution of technologies and application services, there are now great transitions in the area of broadband access networks.

One of the main changes is the increased deployment of FTTx networks, which employs shortened copper loop lengths so that very high-speed data transmission up to hundreds of Mbit/s is possible. These changes make loop configurations complex and require special treatments regarding newly introduced techniques and systems located remotely, for example, on street cabinets, telephone poles and/or customer premises. Therefore, in addition to the requirements and criteria on copper networks addressed through the earlier recommendation L.19, additional modifications need to be considered. Moreover, to ensure the integrity of services carried over metallic access network, already installed or to be installed, requirements on copper loop including indoor and structured cabling in the building should be improved.

The following Recommendations and Handbooks, in force at the time of approval of this Question, fall under its responsibility:

  • L.1, L.3, L.4, L.5, L.6, L.7, L.8, L.9, L.18, L.19, L.71, L.75, L.76.
  • Jointing of Plastic-Sheathed cables,
  • Jointing of Telecommunication Cable Conductors,
  • Outside Plant Technologies for Public Networks.

Question

This Question will prepare requirements and guidance for outside and indoor network elements related to broadband applications.

Study items to be considered include, but are not limited to:

  • Definition of Requirements for copper loop in order to guarantee various access technologies or services quality (for example, xDSL, IPTV, HN, etc.);
  • Develop guidance for planning, performance evaluation and construction of copper networks, including indoor and structured cabling, for broadband access on FTTx or any other topologies;
  • Studying characteristics of connection hardware, copper cables/wires and other network elements for broadband access.

Tasks

Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintenance and enhancement of the existing L-series Recommendations, if needed;
  • Developing of the test procedures and specifications for broadband network elements such as connection hardware, cables, wires and other elements.

An up-to-date status of work under this Question is contained in the SG 5 work programme (use URL as shown in the table below).

SG URL
5 http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/workprog/wp_search.aspx?q=1/5

Relationships

Recommendations:

  • ITU-T L.19, L.71, L.75, L.76

Questions:

  • 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12/5

Study Groups:

  • ITU-T SG15 on xDSL techniques and access network architecture

Standardization bodies:

  • IEC SC46C and TC48
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