Efficient MAC protocol for OFDMA passive optical networks (PONs)

摘要

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing media access control (MAC) in an optical network by providing a separate control channel and data channel; dedicating each optical network unit (ONU) with one control channel, wherein the control message is transmitted at any time without constraints; sending a grant message to an ONU just before an allocated time is about to start; and sending data traffic from the ONU immediately after receiving the grant message without synchronizing with an optical line terminal (OLT) clock.