Ethernet WDM Aggregation Network

The following request for agenda time for a "Call for Interest" has been received from Duane Remein. It will be discussed at the IEEE 802 LMSC March 2012 Plenary meeting in Waikoloa, HI, USA.

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IEEE Std 802.3 EPON is the world's most successful access technology. Other Ethernet PHYs, such a 1000BASE-X and 10GBASE-X are also finding applications in the access network. However, not all service providers have the fiber resources to adequately serve their customers with these technologies. In some cases the large cost to deploy new outside plant fibers is preventing or delaying providers from deploying Ethernet access technologies. There is interest in technology that allows more than 10 customers to have a dedicated gigabit service delivered over a single fiber trunk, to carry multiple EPONs over a single fiber and to mix EPON and P2P services over a single fiber. This Call For Interest will assess the interest within 802.3 to form a study group to explore the market demand, compatibility concerns and feasibility of using Wavelength Division Multiplexing to provide an aggregated Ethernet service to address these, and similar, needs in the market.

The 'call for interest' will take place during the IEEE 802.3 Opening Plenary on the afternoon of Monday 12th March. A call for interest meeting will be scheduled to occur during the plenary week. The vote to determine if a Study Group will be formed will take place at the IEEE 802.3 Closing Plenary on the afternoon of Thursday 15th March.