ADTRAN touts 10-Gbps XGS-PON customer trials

Highlighting the growing interest in next-generation optical access network technologies, ADTRAN, Inc., (NASDAQ:ADTN) says that "several" service providers have begun trials of its 10-Gbps XGS-PON technology. The optical transport systems vendor says that the trial customers range from new market entrants to municipalities/utilities to international Tier 1 carriers.

The IEEE recently announced initial approval for XGS-PON specifications (see "ITU-T approves XGS-PON, amends NG-PON2 specifications"). The technology, an offshoot of NG-PON2, supports symmetrical 10-Gbps fiber to the premises (FTTP) applications via fixed 10-Gbps optics. The technology is seen as a transitional step between current GPON and the time- and wavelength-division multiplexing (TWDM) PON-based NG-PON2, which will require tunable optics to support its multi-wavelength, multi-PON capabilities.

"Participating in ADTRAN's XGS-PON trial was an opportunity we eagerly jumped at. XGS-PON is allowing us to exceed our customers' bandwidth needs today while still proactively planning for future network build outs and capabilities," said Ben Lovins, senior vice president, telecommunications division at Jackson Energy Authority.

"The ability to deploy on our current fiber network while still using the same passive and active plants is allowing us to greatly improve the return on our existing fiber network investment. We have already begun to see the customer economic and business benefits of next-generation broadband services within our hospitals and school systems and look forward to enabling continued growth and development in our community," Lovins added.

ADTRAN announced its XGS-PON technology in May 2015 (see "ADTRAN unveils NG-PON2 platform for 10G PON, TWDM PON").

"These trials are demonstrating new opportunities to converge residential gigabit broadband and premium optical business services over a common 10-Gbps access architecture. XGS-PON allows service providers to double the life of their current optical network investment while gaining a head start towards future network capabilities," said Ryan McCowan, fiber access product manager for ADTRAN. "ADTRAN is excited to lead the effort to develop this new 10G PON technology."

For related articles, visit the FTTx Topic Center.

For more information on FTTx equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.