ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN) says that more than 100 operators globally have deployed the company’s Combo PON technology. Combo PON, deployed on the company’s flagship TA5000, SDX 6000 series of disaggregated optical line terminals (OLTs), and remote OLTs, enables the support of GPON and XGS-PON on the same optical distribution network (ODN), which enables a smooth, economical migration from one to the other.
The company introduced Combo PON in June 2020 (see “ADTRAN Combo PON provides GPON/XGS-PON support on same distribution network”). Subsequently, a variety of fiber broadband network operators—including altnets, RDOF recipients, multinational Tier 1s, and cable operators—have deployed the technology, according to ADTRAN (see, for example, "PAC Fiber chooses ADTRAN for RDOF XGS-PON deployment" and "Three River preps for 10G XGS-PON capabilities with ADTRAN"). The ability to support both 2.5-Gbps GPON and 10-Gbps XGS-PON on the same distribution network enables such network operators to save 50% in capex, 66% in power, and 75% in space compared to running separate ODNs and OLTs, ADTRAN asserts.
“ADTRAN introduced Combo PON to close the debate on whether to deploy GPON or XGS-PON FTTH technology by providing a simplified and cost-effective network strategy just as carriers of all sizes, in all markets were focused on building new fiber networks,” said Robert Conger, senior vice president, technology and strategy at ADTRAN. “The proof of how relevant and impactful ADTRAN’s Combo PON has been in addressing this market demand is the unprecedented customer momentum we are witnessing.”
Another proof point may be the fact that other broadband technology providers have launched their own versions (see, for example, here and here). “For many different types of service providers, from electric coops to rural ISPs, the value of scalable gigabit services and game-changing multigigabit services cannot be overstated,” said Julie Kunstler, senior principal analyst at Omdia. “Combo PON technology provides a seamless network and capacity upgrade path as well as opportunities to expand addressable markets and revenue streams. Combo PON solutions provide service providers with flexibility regarding the use of next-gen PON for specific customers and applications; thereby increasing ROI over the same ODN.”
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