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CONTENTS FOREWORD


F BRESYSTEMS Formerly FibreSystems Europe Issue 03 • Spring 2014


Contents 4


News The latest fibre systems news from around the world 8


12 14 18 22 26


30 32


Conference report FTTH 2014 Robert Roe reports on proceedings from Stockholm


Profile Reichle and De-Massari


Tim Gillett looks back over 50 years of history for the Swiss communication network specialist


Feature Data centres


Roy Rubenstein explains how data centre networks are finally catching up with the times


Feature Carrier focus


Rebecca Pool says revamped regulations are crucial if European operators are to increase their revenues


Feature FTTDP


Robert Roe investigates the benefits of fibre to the distribution point


Feature Mobile fronthaul


Siân Harris finds out more about the latest buzzword in network discussions – and why operators are so excited about it


Preview Networking on the Bay A look ahead to OFC/NFOEC 2014 in San Francisco


Products A selection of the latest fibre systems releases Cover: Liravega/Shutterstock.com


Editorial and administrative team Editor-in-chief: Dr Tom Wilkie • tom.wilkie@europascience.com • Tel: +44 (0)1223 275461 Business editor: Tim Gillett • tim.gillett@europascience.com • Tel: +44 (0)1223 275469 Circulation/readership enquiries: Pete Vine • subs@europascience.com • Tel: +44 (0)1223 275463


Advertising team Advertising manager: Sarah Ellis-Miller • sarah.ellis.miller@europascience.com • Tel: +44 (0)1223 275468 Advertising production: David Houghton • david.houghton@europascience.com • Tel: +44 (0)1223 275474


Corporate team Chairman: Dr Tom Wilkie • tom.wilkie@europascience.com Publishing director: Warren Clark • warren.clark@europascience.com


Fibre Systems is published by Europa Science Ltd, Unit 9, Clifton Court, Cambridge CB1 7BN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1223 211170 Fax: +44 (0)1223 213385 Web: www.europascience.com ISSN: 2053-5147


All editorial information should be sent to editor.fibresystems@europascience.com


Subscribe for FREE online at www.fibre-systems.com/subscribe


26 14 8 Foreword H Bright times for fibre


aving recently returned from the FTTH Conference in Stockholm, it’s clear that right now is an extremely vibrant period in which


to be involved in fibre networks. Robert Roe’s report from the event (page 8) suggests that penetration of FTTH provision is increasing year-on-year, and more European countries are appearing on the figures as having more than one per cent of homes connected. But it’s not just FTTH where there are


opportunities: FTTDP (distribution point) represents an emerging hybrid of fibre and copper, where fibre is taken near to a cluster of potential customers, with the final metres covered by copper cable. Robert’s other feature in this issue looks at some of the opinions on the pros and cons of this technology (page 22). Away from the connected home, the


deluge of big data generated by even medium-sized organisations has seen a rise in the existence of the data centre. Increasingly, data centres are turning to fibre networks to reduce latency and increase capacity. Roy Rubenstein assesses some of the challenges faced by planners in such environments on page 14. Elsewhere in this issue, Siân Harris


explores the mainstream arrival of the term ‘fronthaul’, and what it means for mobile network designers (page 26), while Rebecca Pool looks at funding challenges in network provision (page 18). If you’re picking up this magazine at OFC,


SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free registrations available to qualifying individuals. Paid subscriptions available to readers outside registration requirements. Enquiries to Europa Science, Unit 9, Clifton Court, Cambridge CB1 7BN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1223 211170. Fax: +44 (0)1223 213385. ©2014 Europa Science Ltd. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by Europa Science Ltd, which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication. US copies: Fibre Systems is published by Europa Science Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville PA.


POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fibre Systems, PO Box 437, Emigsville PA 17318-0437.


don’t forget to register to receive future issues (for free) by visiting www.fibre-systems.com/subscribe, where you can also opt to receive our monthly email newsletter, FSNewsline, to keep up to date with opportunities and trends in the fibre networks market. Also, be sure to bookmark www.fibre-systems.com, our regularly-updated website that provides a resource for news, products, events, suppliers and technology information.


Warren Clark Publishing director


Issue 3 • Spring 2014 FIBRE SYSTEMS 3


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