As a result of increasing demand and regulatory changes, access systems are undergoing significant expansion. Although wireless and copper-based systems are being deployed, fiber access systems provide the best conduit for broadband services. Significant deployment and trials of Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) and Switched Digital Video (SDV) systems are underway, and additional architectures are being considered for future upgraded networks. We review the progress in this field, and indicate where enabling device technologies can provide key functions.