OCTOBER 2, 2009 -- Zhone Technologies Inc., a global supplier of network access equipment, has announced that the telecommunications consortium Estracom, working with major IT solutions provider Dimension Data, has selected Zhone's MXK Terabit access concentrator to deliver GPON services in what has been referred to as one of the most ambitious "green" initiatives in Italy.
Estracom is a telecommunications consortium representing 24 municipalities serving 500,000 residents throughout Italy's Tuscany region. Estracom's objective is to provide high-quality fiber services to residences and businesses at a low cost per user by adopting high-efficiency green technology. Additionally, Estracom intends to supply municipal police a modern video surveillance network to efficiently support the growing economic and security needs of its citizens.
Estracom contracted major IT solutions and service provider Dimension Data and Zhone Technologies to streamline its fiber network in the high-density territory of Prato. Zhone's MXK Terabit access platform enables Estracom to connect more than 4,000 GPON users with a single chassis while eliminating all active network elements between the central office (CO) and the end user. Zhone's MXK provides a completely passive optical splitter that can be installed anywhere without the need for power. Eliminating the need for electricity at intermediate points in the network provides optimal energy efficiency while reducing redundant equipment and the risks of network downtime due to electrical outages.
"With the MXK, we are able to supply Tuscany businesses and residences true broadband through an innovative green network design that will reap enormous dividends in energy savings and environmental conservation," says Dennis D'Amico, president of Estracom. "Zhone's platform and depth of GPON knowledge were invaluable in the network design and the ultimate success of the project."
"This is a landmark project for Estracom and their green initiative serves as a model for other municipalities undergoing network modernization," says Steven Glapa, Zhone's vice president of product marketing and management. "The MXK was developed specifically to improve network efficiencies while meeting rapidly escalating broadband demands associated with shifting user models today and into the future."
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