abstract: Access Networks provide the backbone to the Internet connecting the end-users to the core network thus forming the most important segment for connectivity. Access Networks have multiple physical layer medium ranging from fiber cables, to DSL links and Wireless nodes, creating practically-used hybrid access networks. We explore the hybrid access network at the Medium ACcess (MAC) Layer which receives packets segregated as data and control packets, thus providing the needed decoupling of data and control plane. We utilize the Software Defined Networking (SDN) principle of centralized processing with segregated data and control plane to further extend the usability of our algorithms. This dissertation introduces novel techniques in Dynamic Bandwidth allocation, control message scheduling policy, flow control techniques and Grouping techniques to provide improved performance in Hybrid Passive Optical Networks (PON) such as PON-xDSL, FiWi etc. Finally, we study the different types of software defined algorithms in access networks and describe the various open challenges and research directions. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2015