Alcatel-Lucent unveils XG-PON1 version of ISAM for 10G GPON apps

By Stephen Hardy -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) announced last week that it plans to add XG-PON1 capabilities to its Intelligent Services Access Manager (ISAM) IP access platform. XG-PON1, the first version of 10G GPON approved by FSAN, supports 10 Gbps downstream and 2.5 Gbps upstream.

According to Stefaan Vanhastel, marketing director, wireline access at Alcatel-Lucent, the company plans to provide a four-port XG-PON1 line card for use in Alcatel-Lucent’s existing ISAM platforms within the ETSI market, plus release new platforms with expanded 2x100-Gbps capacity per slot that will be marketed globally. The new technology will be generally available early in 2012. However, Vanhastel expects limited deployments by what he called “select customers” by the end of this year.

Vanhastel says that XG-PON1 10G GPON will see a variety of applications, including mobile backhaul, DSLAM backhaul, and fiber to the building (FTTB). However, the greatest interest in the technology focuses on expanding split ratios, Vanhastel remarks.

Alcatel-Lucent has already launched carrier trials of XG-PON2, which offers symmetrical 10-Gbps capabilities in both the upstream and downstream directions (see “Portugal Telecom, Alcatel-Lucent to trial symmetrical 10G GPON” and “Verizon field trials XG-PON2 from Alcatel-Lucent”). Vanhastel would not say when Alcatel-Lucent will offer this technology commercially, particularly since FSAN has not yet ratified the standard.

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