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Product update


FTTX AND ACCESS NETWORK EQUIPMENT


Alcatel-Lucent unveils ‘Universal’ TWDM-PON


Acknowledging that cost is a barrier to adoption, Alcatel-Lucent has released a new variant of TWDM-PON that should make it easier for operators to consider adopting the latest in fixed- line broadband technology. Time- and wavelength-division multiplexed PON is the approach chosen for the next generation of passive optical networks. Announced in October 2014, Alcatel-Lucent’s TWDM-PON system delivers 40Gb/s of capacity via four 10Gb/s transmitters, each on a different wavelength. TWDM-PON requires new optics capable of tuning between these four 10-Gb/s wavelengths. But Alcatel-Lucent admits that this flexibility comes at a price. Tunability adds complexity, which increases the price of the optics. With these optics not yet available in large quantities, TWDM-PON’s cost is higher than more established technologies. Alcatel-Lucent’s response is to swap out the tunable optics and replace them with the fixed- wavelength optics used in 10G PON systems. Operators can use pluggable XFP modules designed for 10G-PON or 10G-EPON commercial systems. These transceivers are less expensive than TWDM-PON optics because they are not tunable.


The wavelength of the fixed 10G optics is


different from that specified in TWDM-PON, but this is not an issue, according to Ana Pesovic, senior marketing manager for the wireline division at Alcatel-Lucent. TWDM-PON has been


TE Connectivity launches FACT distribution system


At the FTTH Conference in Warsaw, TE Connectivity launched the FACT optical distribution frame (ODF) system. The FACT system is designed to enable faster and easier installation in a high-density environment, such as within central office sites or point-


designed to be backwards compatible with the PON technologies that preceded it, so all the wavelengths can coexist. ‘It’s just a matter of using a different wavelength, everything else is TWDM- PON,’ she said.


When operators want to move to a system with full flexibility, then they can simply add a line card based on a tunable transceiver – they don’t even have to discard the fixed optics-based line card. This approach provides a smooth upgrade to full TWDM-PON without the need to replace network components, evaluate new technology,


The initial use cases are all for fixed wavelengths


or reconfigure operations and business support systems (OSS/BSS), Alcatel-Lucent says. ‘You add the new optics and you have to validate the optics, that’s all,’ said Pesovic. ‘In contrast it can take up to one year to validate a new set of hardware.’ Alcatel-Lucent is keen to point out that this


doesn’t mean wavelength tunability isn’t on the industry roadmap any more. ‘Wavelength agility is a mandatory requirement of next-generation PON. Every OLT [optical line terminal] has to have this capability otherwise the costs to operate and maintain the network would become unmanageable,’ Pesovic explained. She outlined a number of scenarios where an


operator might wish to reassign wavelengths at the OLT: to add network capacity by moving a group of end-users onto a new wavelength; to switch end-users from one operator to another on an unbundled network; in the case of a line card failure; or even to save electricity overnight by switching all the active consumers onto the same line card.


Some of these scenarios are firmly in the future,


however. ‘Having spent all this time convincing you that this wavelength agility is important, it is not so important to the early adopters,’ she laughed. ‘I don’t think many operators are waiting for dynamic management and tunability. The initial use cases are all for fixed wavelengths.’


Pesovic says that about 20 potential customers have tested Alcatel-Lucent’s TWDM-PON system – which is supported by the 7360 Intelligent Services Access Manager FX platform – and many more are in the pipeline to trial the system over the next few months.


‘Some of them are going to start with this


approach [Universal TWDM-PON] if not most of them,’ she said. ‘The level of interest is quite overwhelming.’ Julie Kunstler, principal analyst, intelligent networks, with Ovum, commented: ‘In Universal TWDM, Alcatel-Lucent has developed an ingenious solution to help operators shrewdly manage their network investments and move directly to TWDM. Operators can quickly add capacity in their broadband access networks and completely bypass 10G PON.’ www.alcatel-lucent.com


PRODUCTS UPDATE


More products now online at www.fibre-systems.com/products


of-presence applications. The vendor says FACT meets all


the requirements for a high-density, manageable system, offering tool- less plug-and-play installation, and eliminating all fibre movement when accessing connectors to ensure superior optical performance. The design guarantees access to each individual connector, regardless of


the cabling routing used. The system has a high level of modularity to guarantee easy migration to new connectivity platforms and expansion within existing central office sites. The open platform approach supports easy migration to new technology platforms, according to TE. www.te.com


Issue 7 • Summer 2015 FIBRE SYSTEMS 33


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