This short course starts with introducing the architectures of passive optical networks (PONs). It reviews the various types of PONs by identifying the major features and market deployments. The audience will have insight into the key enabling technologies and their advantages and limitations. They will also understand various PON applications in telecom, wireless xhaul, and the emerging 5G market. This short course explains the guidelines of PON deployment and helps the audience in selecting the suitable technologies and systems. Promising technologies for the future PON evaluation are also discussed to provide R&D directions. This short course will help graduate students to see how their background and education can fit into the large domain of broadband access. Network engineers and product designers will better understand the PON technologies and applications. Researchers will gain insight into the challenges and promising solutions.

This course should enable you to:

• Introduce the architectures and benefits of passive optical networks (PONs)

• Explain the key technologies to enable PONs and summarize the advantages and limitations

• Compare the various types of PONs by describing their features and identifying the motivations and market deployments

• Discuss the PON applications in telecom, wireless front/mid/back-haul, and emerging markets such as 5G

• Get an insight into the PON network deployment

• Explore the future PON evolution and identify the promising technologies