The rising demand for bandwidth drives operators to introduce fiber-based access architectures. These access networks will support cutting-edge services like digital voice, data and video services such as high-definition IPTV (HDTV). Key feature in future-proof fiber access networks is flexibility in terms of topology and technology. Topologies which will have to be supported are Fiber-to-the-Curb/Node (FTTC/FTTN), Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH). These FTTx variants can be built with point-to-point structures or point-to-multipoint technologies. The latter one can be realized with passive optical networks (PON). In order to achieve smooth migration coexistence with today's copper technologies will be important. Therefore future-proof access platforms will support ADSL/VDSL in addition to point-to-point and PON fiber access.

Stephan Neidlinger Vice President Business Management PON Nokia Siemens Networks

Qualifications: Dr.-Ing. degree in Electrical Engineering Employer: Siemens, Communications Group Position: VP Business Management PON 1986 - 1991: Research Associate at Technical University Munich, research in coherent optical transmission systems. 1991 - 1996: Member of Central Laboratories of Siemens' Public Communication Networks Group, research in broadband access network transmission systems (fibre-in-the-loop, hybrid fibre coax, twisted pair, radio-in-the-local-loop). 1996 - 2002: Member of Siemens' Business Unit Transport Networks: 1996 - 2001: responsible for Business and Product Line Management Optical Networks. 2002: responsible for Business Management Germany and Austria, Optical Networks. 2003: Member of Siemens' Business Unit Carrier Networks, responsible for Solution Management Optical Networks, Germany. 2004 - 2005: Member of Siemens' Business Unit Fixed Networks, responsible for Next Generation Transport Networks, Sales Germany. Since 2005: responsible for Business Management Passive Optical Networks (PON). Publications: Author and co-author of a number of articles and papers for international journals and conferences.