If there is one constant in the Internet phenomenon, it is the unstoppable growth of traffic, driven by devices, applications and multimedia services. Some 80% of this traffic originates or is received at fixed user locations, thanks to the capacity and unlimited data volume attributes of fixed networks.
The deployment of next-generation access networks (NGAN), such as fiber-to-the-home (FTTP) and cable, is making this growth possible; however, it is limited by the economic and operational difficulties of laying physical networks, particularly in areas with no access infrastructure or lower user density.