Broadband Access Networks: NOC '97

New ways of providing access are emerging based upon the need for interactive broadband services. Both existing cable TV which is essentially broadcast and telephony networks which are narrow band need to radically change to carry interactive broadband services. This work explores the problem of making the necessary changes by radical upgrade or a revolutionary change to fibre access. Collaborative projects play an important role in Europe's leading edge R&D and are extensively reported upon. Further issues of relevance include Radio Access Networks, HFC and Cablemodems, CDMA, FITL and PON Architecture, LAN and WAN developments.