RF Overlay on PON: Delivering 1550nm Video for Triple-Play Networks
RF Overlay on PON is the most cost-effective architecture for delivering analog broadcast, digital TV, and HDTV alongside high-speed data. By assigning a dedicated 1550nm wavelength for video, operators can provide premium content without consuming the bandwidth of GPON/XGSPON or 50GPON data streams.
What is RF Overlay on PON Technology?
Enabling Cost-Effective Triple-Play Services
RF Overlay on PON, As telcos turn to triple-play services (video, voice and high-speed internet access) to reduce churn and increase revenue, they need to find a way of delivering TV and video to the end-user as cost-effectively as possible. Premlink solutions help increase ARPU while minimizing infrastructure costs.
1550nm Dedicated Wavelength: The Core of RF Video Overlay
Each of the major point-to multi point PON variants – BPON, GPON and EPON – offers TV/video service: RF (radio frequency) overlay.In a point-to-multipoint PON architecture, one wavelength frequency is assigned for downstream data and telephony (1490 nm) and another is assigned for upstream data (1310 nm). With the RF overlay approach, through the use of wave-division multiplexing (WDM), a third downstream frequency is assigned – 1550 nm – which is dedicated to video broadcast. RF overlay is capable of delivering all types of video service: analogue broadcast, digital broadcast and HDTV, and video-on-demand.
Zero Impact on Data Throughput: The Ultimate Bandwidth Advantage
As TV broadcasting is assigned to a dedicated frequency it will not eat into the data throughput of the PON. It offers a comparatively short entry-to-market time to deliver TV services (no set-top boxes are needed for the delivery of analogue broadcast over coaxial cable in the home).
Smooth Migration Path to Hybrid IPTV & RF Services
Through the use RF overlay, operators can gradually migrate to IPTV (by using both delivery systems simultaneously) without the need for external set-top conversion apparatus (assuming they have shipped hybrid IPTV/RF set-top boxes to their customers). This could be an important consideration for operators since IPTV, unlike RF overlay, is not yet a proven technology for delivering video services on a large scale…
Strategic Applications: Municipal Networks, MDUs, and Hotels
RF Overlay is a strategic solution for Municipal Broadband Networks and Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs), like apartment complexes and hotels, that want to offer basic or premium TV services without having to make big changes to their infrastructure. It is also the best choice for operators in areas where IPTV licensing is hard to get or where there are a lot of old analog TVs. The technology effectively bridges of connecting old broadcast networks with fiber networks that will last for a long time.
How to Implement RF Overlay on PON
Step 1: 1550nm Signal Generation at the Headend
The RF TV signal is distributed by the 1550nm optical laser transmitter which makes E/O convertering at headend.
Step 2: High-Power Amplification via EYDFA PON Combiner
The RF signal is transported by a separate fiber network to EDFA, or EDFA PON Combiner.
Step 3: Wavelength Integration & Distribution to ONT/ONU
This PON WDM combines the RF signal with the data traffic from the OLT, which uses a different wavelength (1310/1490 nm), putting three wavelengths (1550/1310/1490nm) on the same fiber PON and distributing them downstream through the splitters to the customer’s ONT/ONU.
Essential Hardware: Transmitters, EDFA PON Combiners, and WDM Receivers
- 1550nm Optical Transmitter: This device is at the headend and is meant to send high-quality analog video over long distances while making sure the signal is of broadcast quality.
- EDFA PON WDM Combiner (Integrated Unit): This device strengthens the 1550nm video signal without changing it electrically, and it keeps the signal strong over long fiber lengths, which is important for large service areas. The inside PON WDM Combiner is the part of the system that accurately combines three (or five with XGS-PON) wavelengths onto one fiber. This stops the video and data channels from talking to each other.
- Hybrid ONT/ONU or PON WDM Optical Receiver: This terminal device splits the wavelengths at the customer’s site. It sends the RF video signal to a coaxial port on the TV.
Multi-Generation Coexistence: RF Overlay for GPON, XGSPON & 50GPON
Future-Proof Upgraded WDM Combiner Technology
The PON WDM combiner has been upgraded so that it can work with 50GPON, XGSPON-PON (1270nm, 1577nm) and GPON (1310nm, 1490nm) on the same fiber.
RF Overlay on PON Network Topology Diagram
The figure shows how the 1550nm video signal can work with XGS-PON (1270nm/1577nm) and GPON (1310nm/1490nm) data wavelengths through an upgraded WDM combiner on a single fiber infrastructure.
Top Benefits of Choosing Premlink RF Overlay Solutions
1. Global Market Reach & Expanded TV Services
RF Video Overlay allows you to add a large range of TV services, making it possible to service all potential subscribers on the network.
2. Cost-Efficiency: Leveraging Existing Coaxial Infrastructure
It’s possible to use existing coaxial networks in the home to supply TVs by sending an RF signal that can be connected directly to all TVs after the optical/electrical conversion at the CPE. This avoids the need for set-top boxes and rewiring of the home.
3. Seamless Network Evolution: GPON to XGSPON & Beyond
The new PON WDM combiner works with both XGS-PON (1270nm, 1577nm) and GPON (1310nm, 1490nm) and can also send video over the same fiber at 1550nm. This gives:
- Unified Fiber Infrastructure: One fiber carries all types of services
- Smooth Network Evolution: lets you switch from GPON to XGS-PON without affecting current RF video services
- Investment Protection: Makes the most of current infrastructure while getting ready for new technologies
4. Guaranteed Service Quality with Physical Wavelength Isolation
- Dedicated Video Wavelength: 1550nm frequency makes sure that TV broadcasts don’t slow down data transfer.
- Integrity of the signal: Wavelength isolation stops services from interfering with each other.
- Reliable Delivery: RF technology that has been tested for large-scale video distribution
FAQ: RF Overlay on PON
RF Overlay on PON is a way to send TV signals over the same fiber network that also provides phone and internet service. It uses 1550nm wavelength just for video, so all the services can work together without getting in each other's way. This makes it easy for telecom companies to offer triple-play packages (TV, internet, and voice) that work well.
The TV signal travels on its own 1550nm wavelength with WDM technology, so it doesn't compete with your internet data for bandwidth (which uses 1310/1490 nm). Imagine that there is a separate lane just for video. Your internet speed stays fast and reliable even when you are watching TV.
Yes. Modern RF Overlay systems use a new PON WDM combiner that can handle GPON (1310/1490 nm), XGS-PON (1270/1577 nm), and the 1550nm video wavelength all on the same fiber. This means you can make your network faster without losing your TV service.
RF Overlay works best for Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) like hotels, apartments, and condos. It can use the coaxial wiring that is already in the building to send TV channels to every room without having to put in new cables or set-top boxes for each TV. This makes it cheap and quick for property owners to set up.
Our Related Products
Our portfolio includes a full range of compatible, carrier-grade hardware that is designed for easy integration and growth, making it possible to use a strong RF Overlay on PON solution.
