Alcatel-Lucent today announced that it has added three new features to its 7342 ISAM Fiber-to-the-User (FTTU) system, covering optical monitoring, metro Ethernet connectivity and remote synchronization capabilities that will further strengthen the company’s FTTH solution.

The inclusion of new optical monitoring features enables critical parameters to be measured and recorded for analysis over time. This allows early detection of degradation of optical components and optical fiber in the outside plant, often before service-affecting failures arise and customer satisfaction is impacted.

In addition to optical performance monitoring, the Alcatel-Lucent FTTU platform is now able to connect with metro Ethernet networks by providing a robust set of options for virtual private networking and Ethernet connectivity. This enables service providers to generate new revenue from Ethernet services using fiber to the home and business connectivity.

The third feature added relates to IEEE 1588 timing. This feature provides the necessary synchronization for remote placement of gigabit passive optical network (GPON) systems in outside plant and connectivity of DS1 services. Typically, DS1 connections are used for business termination and mobile backhaul. The addition of a robust set of business services options now enables providers to terminate business and residential subscribers over the same passive optical network.

"The new 7342 ISAM FTTU system capabilities, such as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) optical test and measurement enhancements, support of emerging Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF)-based services, and IEEE 1588 timing for remote GPON OLT synchronization applications, demonstrate that Alcatel-Lucent continues to effectively meet the evolving challenges of operators in the highly competitive FTTx equipment market segment”, said Ron Westfall, Research Director, Current Analysis. “Moreover, the new capabilities reinforce and sustain Alcatel-Lucent’s proven ability to competitively differentiate its 7342 ISAM FTTU against rival offerings.”

Alcatel-Lucent will be highlighting these capabilities and demonstrating the ability to transfer data at near gigabit rates during the North America FTTH Council’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, September 22-24 (Booth 907). This demonstration will illustrate GPON’s capability to transfer a full-length HDTV DVD in approximately 2 minutes.

Alcatel-Lucent is engaged in more than 85 FTTx projects around the world, over 65 of which are with GPON. Leading service providers have adopted Alcatel-Lucent’s GPON solution, including Verizon, France Telecom, Neuf Cegetel, Hanaro Telecom and Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited. Alcatel-Lucent is the uncontested market leader in broadband access with more than 173 million DSL lines shipped to date, a 39% market share according to industry analyst firm Dell’Oro, and ISAM deployments with more than 190 customers worldwide.

 Source:C114