Thomson launches service gateway for next-generation FTTH networks
JANUARY 7, 2010 -- Thomson, a provider of services to content creators, has unveiled the TG1700 super-fast gateway to take advantage of the latest developments in FTTH. With the TG1700, says Thomson, operators will be able to provide a seamless experience of broadcast TV, interactive video, and very high-speed data and telephony services.
"Network operators installing FTTH and their subscribers do not want to be limited in their applications; they want to take full advantage of the incredible data speed and capacity available to them," says Georges Laplanche, senior vice president, Connect Division, Thomson. "The TG1700 is the first triple-play GPON gateway to market which offers advanced functionality. In particular, the downstream RF overlay which guarantees a consistent and very high-quality television experience -- the equal if not better than any other delivery platform -- is a vital element in creating a true digital home."
The TG1700 gateway adds an integrated GPON interface, reaching up to 2.5 Gbps in downstream and 1.25 Gbps in upstream bandwidth. To benefit from the speed on the LAN side, the gateway supports an integral Ggabit Ethernet router, providing very high-speed connectivity between devices and the network. It also includes a Wi-Fi base station with 802.11n capabilities to stream data, including rich media content, anywhere in the home. The integration of the GPON optical networking terminal (ONT) in a service gateway guarantees a lower installation and operation cost, according to the company.
Besides a pure high-speed fiber download and upload, the TG1700 adds downstream RF overlay. This will allow network operators to dedicate a channel to broadcast TV carried as a radio-frequency signal (just as in digital cable). This ensures a guaranteed quality of service for linear TV channels to the home, without impacting video-on-demand and other interactive services carried on other fiber channels, claims Thomson.
The software in the gateway supports multiple home network services, including media and content sharing, home surveillance and control, multiline advanced VoIP telephony, and more. Through the consistent application of open standards and the OSGi framework, it is simple to add functionality to the gateway and the device can be maintained and upgraded online using the TF-069 standard protocol, says the company.
The Thomson TG1700 gateway will be available in production quantities starting in 3Q10.