Access network

[citation needed] In 2006, according to an independent Yankee Group report, globally operators experience profit leakage in excess of $17 billion each year.

Access networks consist largely of pairs of copper wires, each traveling in a direct path between the exchange and the customer.

Operators offered additional services such as xDSL based broadband and IPTV (Internet Protocol television) to guarantee profit.

Without understanding or even knowing the characteristics of these enormous copper spider webs, it is very difficult, and expensive to 'provision' (connect) new customers and assure the data rates required to receive next-generation services.

[1] Access networks usually also must support point-to-point technologies such as Ethernet, which bypasses any outside plant splitter to achieve a dedicated link to the telephone exchange.

Some PON networks use a "home run" topology where roadside cabinets only contain patch panels so that all splitters are located centrally.