FTTx/Access Network Equipment

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) has introduced the Flexible Access System Architecture (FASA) concept, which aims to provide greater flexibility in optical access equipment through the use of network functions virtualisation (NFV).

Instead of using purpose-built hardware, NTT has modularised the various functions of access equipment as much as possible. This is the first time that the modularisation concept has been applied to access equipment, the Japanese company asserts.

New optical platforms from Nokia Networks will make mobile fronthaul more cost-effective and simple to deploy, enabling operators to implement large-scale centralised radio access network (C-RAN) deployments, the company claims.

3M has launched its latest generation of BPEO splice closures for fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) distribution networks. (BPEO is an abbreviation of boite protection environmental optique, a name that has been known within the industry for more than a decade.)

Providing fast and consistent quality of installation, the new BPEO product family aims to bring FTTH network cabling projects within reach of a far wider range of suppliers, without needing to always depend on highly qualified fibre-optic engineers.

Semiconductor company Broadcom has released a DOCSIS-compatible 10G Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) residential gateway reference design.

Broadcom's new design allows cable multiple system operators (MSOs) to provide multi-gigabit speeds for home subscribers' high-speed video and Internet services via a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network. The new integrated platform enables MSOs to quickly provide multi-gigabit speeds to their subscribers without expensive upgrades.

Calix has announced new cards for its E-Series portfolio that introduce both increased systems capacity and ITU/FSAN standards-based NG-PON2 support with both fixed and tunable wavelengths.

NG-PON2, which is based on time- and wavelength-division multiplexed (TWDM) PON, offers up to four wavelengths at 10Gb/s each – four times as much capacity as present 10G-PON systems.

Broadband equipment developer Calix has announced a trio of new products that will use standards-based G.fast technology to bring a gigabit experience to subscribers located in multi-dwelling unit (MDU), mixed use buildings and other high-density dwellings. These new products are the E3-16F sealed distribution point unit (SDPU) node, the 870F MDU services delivery node, and the 844F GigaCenter.

Adtran has unveiled its plans to add NG-PON2 capabilities to its broadband product portfolio. The upcoming product release will use the latest 10G per wavelength symmetric ITU/FSAN standard-based technology on a single, common architecture that supports both residential and business applications.

Icotera, a Danish-based developer of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) CPE gateways, has partnered with CSide to enable customers in the telecommunications and utility industries to offer advanced smart home applications to their subscribers.

Through this strategic partnership, Icotera opens up the opportunity for its customers to take a step towards a world with more sustainable and efficient homes by integrating advanced smart grid and smart home technologies with the installed base of broadband infrastructure.

Huawei has released what it claims is the world's first fully outdoor wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) system to support common public radio interface (CPRI) services in mobile fronthaul networks. The product will help to drive down the costs of LTE/LTE-A network deployment, operations and maintenance, the company claims.

Alcatel-Lucent is expanding its portfolio of broadband access products with a new platform that will help cable multiple system operators (MSOs) in North America extend the reach of their 10-gigabit-speed fibre-optic services to more businesses and consumers.

The FX-12 platform – which will join the 7360 ISAM FX product family – will provide high-capacity access capabilities for large-scale deployments of ultra-broadband services for residences and businesses.