Centillium's broadband optical technology selected by OF Networks for global FTTP deployments
June 22, 2004 Chicago and Fremont, CA -- Centillium Communications Inc., provider of broadband access technology, today announced an ongoing collaboration with OF Networks Co. Ltd. (Chiba, Japan) for the development of Gigabit Ethernet passive optical networks (known as EPON in North America and GE-PON in Japan) equipment, as the companies prepare to support global mass deployment of new, high-speed optical access networks.
Initially targeting Japanese network and service provider deployments of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), the companies have worked closely together to define the features and functions required for Japan. As a result, OF Networks will design and deliver Gigabit PON equipment powered by Centillium's recently announced EPON System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solutions Colt (CT- TPSMT02) and Mustang (CT-TPSMN02). Designed as highly-integrated mixed-signal EPON protocol processors, Centillium's Colt and Mustang processors provide a cost-effective, end-to-end solution for optical network units and optical line terminal equipment.
"Having worked closely with Centillium on several proposals for large-scale optical access network deployments, we are very pleased to announce a formal relationship between our companies," said Masayuki Oohama, president of OF Networks. "By integrating Centillium's Colt and Mustang processors into our EPON infrastructure equipment, OF Networks can now provide Japanese and global carriers with gigabit access speeds in accordance with the emerging IEEE standard 802.3ah. In addition, Centillium's high level of technology integration enables us to offer our customers advanced, state-of-the-art features in both our central office and customer premises equipment."
Armando Pereira, general manager of Centillium's Optical Business Unit added, "We are very pleased to be working closely with OF Networks. The collaboration between our companies highlights the value of Centillium's R&D efforts and demonstrates the continued success of our diversification strategy. While this is a positive step forward for both Centillium and OF Networks, the real winners are the carriers and end-users that will benefit from the high-speed access our technology will provide, propelling residential broadband to a new level of performance."
Established as a joint venture between Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd. and Fujikura Ltd., OF Networks develops, manufactures and markets optical-centric broadband access systems and equipment, including Gigabit PON equipment, Gigabit media converters, VDSL systems and access routers. OF Networks' products are provided to the Japanese and worldwide markets through their parent companies, Oki Electric and Fujikura.
Centillium's Optical Business Unit is leveraging the company's expertise in mixed-signal, SoC technology to enable first-mile optical broadband networks with products that target the emerging FTTP market. The business unit will deliver solutions that offer higher integration, broader functionality, smaller footprints and lower power consumption for both central office and customer premises equipment. These products include optical transceiver chipsets to control the bi-directional traffic on a fiber cable; FTTP chipsets to manage the high-speed protocols between the CO and the CPE terminals; and broadband service processors to facilitate in-premises networking and delivery of voice, video and data to the end-users.