8 October 2003 Paris Lightwave -- Alcatel and Carrier Access have announced the completion of interoperability testing between the Alcatel 7340 fiber-to-the-user (FTTU) passive optical network (PON) product line and the Carrier Access Exxtenz optical network terminal (ONT) for business applications. The testing completion underscores both companies' commitment to delivering standards-based solutions that are interoperable in multi-vendor environments.
By making their products interoperable, Alcatel and Carrier Access are providing operators with greater flexibility and increased product choices, say representatives from the companies, thereby strengthening the value proposition of fiber-based broadband network technologies.
"This is a milestone in the evolution of PON development that will foster market competition among vendors and contribute to large-scale deployment," contends Matt Davis, director of broadband access technology with the Yankee Group. "Interoperability presents operators with more flexibility when assessing their vendor requirements in different areas of the network and allows them to choose best of breed solutions."
Both the Alcatel and Carrier Access equipment is based on the ITU-T G.983 broadband PON (BPON) standard, and the combination is a first in the industry, claim the companies. The combined solution has been installed with initial beta customers and has received high marks for quality and performance. The solution is now generally available.
"The ONT is a crucial element in driving deployments of BPON access technologies, and the interoperable approach allows Alcatel to take a leadership position in delivering FTTU solutions as the market evolves," says Mark Klimek, senior director of marketing and business development of FTTU at Alcatel. "We've demonstrated support for standards-based access solutions in the DSL arena, and we're now carrying this forward in the fiber-access market. Carrier Access is an important partner in this effort."
"We began R&D investments in BPON approximately three years ago, with the purpose of integrating low-cost fiber access for businesses services," reports Roger Koenig, chief executive officer and president of Carrier Access. "Our early success with beta customers and the growing customer activity in the RBOC, IOC, and municipality segments confirms the maturity of our complete fiber access solution for Ethernet, Voice, T1, and Video business services that we have delivered with Alcatel. Our joint BPON solution provides a significant step forward in using low-cost fiber to economically deliver a full suite of broadband services to business and government customers," he adds.