ADTRAN offers Crossover Enclosure for FTTN to FTTH migration

Oct. 24, 2013
ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN) has unveiled an enclosure that incorporates the multi-service, multi-architecture support capabilities of its flagship Total Access 5000 MSAP family. The company has aimed its ADTRAN Crossover Enclosure at operators who want to offer high-speed broadband services via such technologies as VDSL2 and vectoring in a fiber to the node (FTTN) architecture now, with an eye toward migrating to fiber to the home (FTTH) in the future.

ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN) has unveiled an enclosure that incorporates the multi-service, multi-architecture support capabilities of its flagship Total Access 5000 MSAP family. The company has aimed its ADTRAN Crossover Enclosure at operators who want to offer high-speed broadband services via such technologies as VDSL2 and vectoring in a fiber to the node (FTTN) architecture now, with an eye toward migrating to fiber to the home (FTTH) in the future.

The Crossover Enclosure leverages the newly introduced Total Access 5004, the smallest member of the Total Access 5000 family and an example of the company’s new Advanced Services Architecture (ASA; see “ADTRAN targets network convergence with Advanced Services Architecture”). The enclosure is less than 40 inches high but offers 15 cubic feet in volume. The design enables the use of what ADTRAN calls “pedestal-like” mounting techniques such as an integrated stake down option. This ability obviates the need for a concrete pad and thus reduces the costs and time required for FTTN and FTTH installation, the company says.

With the ability to leverage the TA 50004, the Crossover Enclosure offers support for a wide variety of architectures and service options, from DSL to PON and point-to-point Ethernet FTTH approaches. It also can be used to support Carrier Ethernet-based mobile backhaul and business services delivery, as well as packet-optical transport. Carriers can add services – or transition from FTTN to FTTH – by inserting the appropriate line cards.

ADTRAN says it can offer the enclosure with several optional features to aid deployment:

  • Redundant access and networking modules that support lifeline POTS phone and SLA-based business service availability requirements
  • Line or span powering
  • DC rectifier with battery backup when AC power can be sourced
  • High-capacity bonded copper backhaul for when fiber is not available
  • Onboard cross connect capabilities.

“Fiber, which is the predominant access technology used to deliver today’s Carrier Ethernet services, is an essential component of future business offerings. However, most fiber infrastructures are concentrated primarily within population-dense markets where construction costs are easily justified,” said Erin Dunne, director of research services at Vertical Systems Group. “Currently, more than 80% of U.S. commercial buildings with 10 to 50 employees lack direct access to fiber-based services. In close proximity are mobile cell sites plus residential areas now served by DSL that could benefit from a clearer path to fiber. ADTRAN’s Crossover solution enables providers to readily deploy fiber into these locations that were previously deemed too hard to reach.”

For more information on FTTx systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.