FPGA Solutions for Converged Access Networks

This white paper discusses FPGA solutions for converged access networks, focusing on the significance of scalable and reliable access network infrastructure for service providers. It outlines the necessity of upgrading to a converged access infrastructure that supports higher bandwidth and various service types over a single fiber plant, addressing the cost pressures faced by carriers. The document details the roles of control plane and data plane FPGAs, highlighting specific FPGA families such as IGLOO, SmartFusion, and PolarFire. It presents advantages of these FPGAs in terms of logic density, power efficiency, and security features. Additionally, the paper provides application examples for optical access, I/O aggregation, and protocol translation, emphasizing the importance of these solutions in enhancing broadband service delivery. The content is structured to guide readers through the technical specifications and practical applications of FPGAs in modern communication networks.