IEC 60728-115:2022

Overview

IEC 60728-115:2022 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for in-building optical systems for broadcast signal transmissions. It applies to optical transmission systems used within buildings, primarily targeting the distribution of television and sound signals via digital technologies. These systems include components such as optical transmitters, amplifiers, splitters, and V-ONUs (video optical network units).

This standard focuses on in-building optical distribution systems that connect building network interfaces (BNI) with home network interfaces (HNI), ensuring reliable performance of broadcast signal transmissions within optical cable networks. It also covers broadcast signal transmission over telecommunication networks that meet the optical specifications described.

IEC 60728-115:2022 complements related standards such as IEC 60728-113 and IEC 60728-13-1 by specifying system performance requirements for all-optical building networks that connect to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure. The use of these optical networks supports cost savings in installation and maintenance, along with simplified upgrades, which is especially valuable in large apartment buildings or multi-dwelling units.

Key Topics

• In-Building Optical System Reference Model: Defines the architecture of optical distribution from building-level interfaces to individual home network points.
• Measurement Methods: Specifies comprehensive test procedures to assess system performance parameters, including:
  • Optical power and wavelength accuracy
  • Relative intensity noise (RIN) measurements
  • Signal-to-intermodulation and noise ratio (SINR)
  • Bit error rates (BER) and modulation error ratio (MER)
  • System loss budgets and frequency response characteristics
• Performance Specifications: Detailed performance criteria for different system types (Type A, B, C) covering power levels, noise limits, signal quality metrics, and loss budgets.
• Simplified Measurement Methods: Guidelines for practical system introduction and ongoing maintenance using portable measurement tools.
• Signal Transmission Scope: Emphasizes RF transmission of fully digitalized broadcast and narrowcast signals over optical networks, explicitly excluding IP transport technologies like IP multicast.

Applications

IEC 60728-115:2022 is targeted towards:

• Television and sound signal distribution within residential or commercial buildings using optical fiber technology.
• Optical broadcast infrastructure in high-density apartment complexes, enabling cost-effective, scalable, and upgradeable network installations.
• FTTH network extensions, connecting building optical networks to wider fiber optic broadband infrastructures as defined by companion IEC standards.
• Facility managers, network designers, and installers who require standardized performance measurement procedures for broadcast signal quality assurance and maintenance.
• Telecommunication operators deploying optical broadcast services over existing or new fiber optic telecommunication networks.

The adoption of this standard helps ensure interoperability, high-quality signal transmission, and future-proof in-building broadcast networks that can adapt to evolving digital services and interactive applications.

Related Standards

• IEC 60728-113: Specifies requirements for fiber optic distribution systems supporting broadband cable networks.
• IEC 60728-13-1: Defines FTTH system architecture and components for television and sound signal distribution.
• IEC 60728-1: General cable network requirements for television and sound signals.
• Other IEC 60728 series standards addressing interactive services and broadband cable networks.

By aligning with IEC 60728-115:2022, service providers and network operators can ensure compliance with internationally recognized norms, optimize in-building optical broadcast systems, and deliver superior television and audio services to end-users.