TCP Performance over Gigabit-Capable Passive Optical Networks

The deployment of optical access networks is considered by many as the sole solution able to cope with the ever-increasing bandwidth needs of data and media applications. Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Networks (GPON) are being adopted by many operators worldwide as their preferred fiber-to-the-home network architecture. In such systems, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer is a key aspect of their operation and performance.