Energy consumption of telecommunication access networks

Figure 33: Number of active network elements based on the achievable data rate. All access technologies require a minimum number of network elements to realise internet access for the subscriber (basic threshold). However, the number of active network elements and network structure develops very differently when the data rate is increased. Figure 33 is used to illustrate the development of the active network elements in relation to the data rate for the respective technologies. It becomes clear that the copper-based technologies, xDSL and HFC, have a significant increase in active network elements. This increase only ends when each customer is directly connected via fibre (FTTH/B). FTTB/H technologies on the other hand will not need additional active networks elements because of the physical advantages of the fibre optic distribution network. It is designed for high-frequency signal transmission and has no significant length restrictions with regard to access networks. The FTTH technologies are the only ones that do not need to adapt their network structure in the medium to long term in order to be able to map future developments with regard to the data rate. The only prerequisite is that the FTTH networks are optimally planned and built on the basis of their technological characteristics. 31