ADTRAN unveils Ultra Broadband Ethernet access architecture

OCTOBER 26, 2010 By Stephen Hardy -- ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN) has introduced Ultra Broadband Ethernet, a new broadband network architecture that delivers a symmetric 100-Mbps Ethernet connection over copper to each of up to eight subscribers from a single ONT access node.

A fiber-enabled Gigabit Ethernet connection links the ONT to the rest of the carrier’s network.

Kevin Morgan, director, marketing, Carrier Networks Division, stressed in a conversation with Lightwave that the copper-based link is based on Ethernet, rather than a form of DSL. The architecture is designed to enable carriers to provide high-speed services over copper links as long as 200 m while paving the way to eventual migration to an FTTH architecture.

The powering of the system is unique, Morgan asserted. Rather than requiring a dedicated power source, the ONT is powered via media adapters stationed at each subscriber site -- “Sort of like Power over Ethernet in reverse,” Morgan said. The power requirements are small, a bit more than 1 W per subscriber, Morgan added.

The architecture is designed to scale to support connections up to 1 Gbps.

The announcement received kudos from at least one analyst. "Communications service providers around the globe must find a cost-effective means to compete with MSOs and cable companies in the delivery of high-speed (100 Mbps and greater) services,” said David Emberley, research manager, IDC. "ADTRAN's Ultra Broadband Ethernet approach offers an alternative to traditional access infrastructure designs that lowers the CSP's operational and capital expenditure to deliver advanced services, while accelerating revenue and increasing ARPU."

ADTRAN says it has Ultra Broadband Ethernet trials underway with Tier 1 operators in North America, Europe, and Asia.

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