This work presents a dynamic Passive Optical Network (PON) consolidation approach using low-cost MicroElectro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) optical switches to deactivate unneeded Optical Line Terminal (OLT) ports or even complete line cards. Our simulation framework employs an algorithm considering individual port loads, Optical Network Unit (ONU) limits, and topology restrictions with real OLT architecture and power consumption data. Using 24-hour traffic traces from 2986 access connections provided by a major German network operator, we evaluate 2x2 and 4x4 MEMS switch groups on Gigabit-capable PON (GPON) and 10-Gigabit-capable Symmetric PON (XGS-PON) systems with splitting ratios of 1:32, 1:64, and 1:128. Results demonstrate energy savings of 21.94-29.23% for GPON and up to 39.49% for XGS-PON under current traffic conditions. For projected future traffic, the analysis reveals that XGS-PON maintains stable savings through x20 traffic scaling and continues to provide meaningful savings even at further scaling. The optical switching groups additionally provide redundancy for failure protection and operational flexibility for load balancing without physical re-wiring.     «

This work presents a dynamic Passive Optical Network (PON) consolidation approach using low-cost MicroElectro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) optical switches to deactivate unneeded Optical Line Terminal (OLT) ports or even complete line cards. Our simulation framework employs an algorithm considering individual port loads, Optical Network Unit (ONU) limits, and topology restrictions with real OLT architecture and power consumption data. Using 24-hour traffic traces from 2986 access connections provid...     »