5G Mobile

VodafoneZiggo tests EFFECT Photonics’ tunable SFP+ optical transceivers for 5G support

June 20, 2022

The field trials saw the modules used in a 10-Gbps, 40-km backhaul DWDM link between Breda and Etten-Leur in the southwest of the Netherlands.

Stephen Hardy

EFFECT Photonics says it has teamed with VodafoneZiggo, the second largest mobile telecommunications company in the Netherlands, on lab and field trials of the technology developer’s tunable SFP+ optical transceivers. VodafoneZiggo is investigating the potential use of the optical modules for support of 5G connectivity.

VodafoneZiggo first tested the tunable SFP+ modules in the 5G Hub in the High Tech Campus at Eindhoven before embarking on field trials using the service provider’s live network. The field trials saw the modules used in a 10-Gbps, 40-km backhaul DWDM link between Breda and Etten-Leur in the southwest of the Netherlands.

EFFECT Photonics says that use of the optical transceivers could improve network performance, capacity, and efficiency, while lowering power requirements versus alternatives. The tunable SFP+ transceivers feature the company’s NarroWave technology, designed to enable operators to set up, monitor, and control fielded modules from the central office.

“Using EFFECT Photonics’ tunable SFP+ modules in DWDM networks can have an enormous impact in ease of deployment and saving costs,” commented Jan-Willem Winters, technical manager, VodafoneZiggo. “During the setup and installation of the technology, we immediately noticed that the NarroWave automatic tuning feature is a game-changer for upgrading networks in a timely and efficient manner. If we multiply this time saving with the number of lanes per DWDM link and the number of links used in the Netherlands, the technology choice becomes simple.”

“We are delighted to partner with VodafoneZiggo to help bring 5G connectivity to the Netherlands,” said Joost Verberk, director of product management at EFFECT Photonics. “The recent successful testing of EFFECT Photonics’ SoC on a live mobile network further demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved with photonics technology and how easily and cost-effectively network capacity can be upgraded.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.