In this book, the spectacular development of a digital telecommunications infrastructure in one of the world’s most advanced industrial nations is being reviewed. Starting with the university network JUNET in 1984 the work covers the mobile Internet, wired access and backbone systems, all the way through broadband applications and today’s residential broadband traffic. Japan has established one of the richest Internet environments and undertakes an aggressive R&D activity on both the New Generation Network “NGN” and the new Internet Protocol “IPv6”.In 2007, it was reported that in the cellular phone system in Japan, the total volume of data traffic became larger than that of voice traffic. The telecommunication infrastructure is converging with the broadcasting infrastructure: 2011 is designated as the first year of the full digital age. Towards 2011, the following technical challenges are foreseen: the development and deployment of an end-to-end architecture on the existing complex IPv4 based Internet; development of a Japanese infrastructure, which is globally competitive and globally interoperable; development of new applications and new business models in the ubiquitous networking environment; development of Internet systems as a social infrastructure; integration with the real-space (i.e. integration of physical space and cyber space); NGN (Next Generation Network) and FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergence); and development and deployment of the unwired Internet environment. This work looks into the challenges and opportunities now faced: it is a must reading for communications and media experts, policy makers and the general public interested in the digital infrastructure.

Broadband Optical Access and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) will provide the ultimate broadband service capabilities. Compared with the currently well-deployed broadband access technologies of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable Modems, optical broadband access with Fiber-to-the-User’s home will cater for much higher speed access for new services. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home presents a comprehensive technical overview of key technologies and deployment strategies for optical broadband access networks and emerging new broadband services. The authors discuss network design considerations, new services, deployment trends and operational experiences, while explaining the current situation and providing insights into future broadband access technologies and services. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home: Offers a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to new developments in broadband access network technologies and services. Examines the impact of research and development in photonics technologies on broadband access and FTTH. Covers ADSL, VDSL with FTTC (Fiber-to-the-Curb), Cable Modem over HFC (Hybrid-Fiber Coax) and Gigabit Ethernet. Discusses the roles of Broadband Wireless LAN and integrated FTTH/Wireless Broadband Access as well as Broadband Home Networks. Provides a global view of broadband network development, presenting different technical and system deployment approaches and strategic considerations for comparison. Gives insight into the worldwide broadband competition and the future of this technology. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home will be an invaluable resource for engineers in research and development, network planners, business managers, consultants as well as analysts and educators for a better understanding of the future of broadband in the field of telecommunications, data communications, and broadband multimedia service industries.

David O. Loomis Illinois State University The explosive growth of the Internet has caught most industry experts off guard. While data communications was expected to be the "wave of the future," few industry observers foresaw how rapid the change in focus from voice communications towards data would be. Understanding the data communications revolution has become an urgent priority for many in the telecommunications industry. Demand analysis and forecasting are critical tools to understanding these trends for both Internet access and Internet backbone service. Businesses have led residential customers in the demand for data services, but residential demand is currently increasing exponentiall y. Even as business demand for data communications is becoming better understood, residential broadband access demand is still largely unexplored. Cable modems and ADSL appear to be the current residential broadband choices yet demand elasticities and econometric model-based forecasts for these services are not currently available. The responsiveness of customers to price and income changes and customer's perceptions of the tradeoff in product characteristics between cable modems and ADSL is largely unknown. Demand for Internet access is derived from the demand for applications which utilize this access; access is not demanded independent of its usage. Thus it is important to understand Internet applications in order to understand the demand for access.

An indispensable reference publication for telecommunication and information-industry professionals. Each year, the IEC brings together into one unique resource the most current thinking and practical experience of industry leaders around the world on a variety of topics facing their areas of specialization. This 700+ page reference tool is a must for executives, managers, engineers, analysts, and educators in all sectors of today's changing information industry.