In this and this previous post I have elaborated on the concept of virtualization of the access line and the use of “pluggable” subscriber/service modules.
The question was raised if this would only work with fiber and more specifically point-to-point fiber with active Ethernet.
The answer is that this concept will work with (V)DSL, DOCSIS, GPON or active Ethernet, for starters. But there are differences which are determined by the complexity of the technology and the inherent limitations of the access network
The NeTU will be specific for the technology, that is a given.
Active Ethernet is so simple and robust that the NeTU will be very cheap for very high bandwidths. GPON is more complicated, requiring more expensive hardware (but not more expensive than current OLT’s). VDSL has limited bandwidth.
DOCSIS is well known but limited in garantueed bandwidths because the capacity is inherently shared in the analog cable part with many subscribers. So it is quite difficult to create specific virtual access lines that are NOT shared up until the specific backhaul for the service is reached.
But the principle will work in practice with all technologies, just much better and easier with FttH.
