Nokia targets ‘network-in-a-box’ for broadband builders in a hurry

June 16, 2022

Nokia states the kit has the elements of active hardware and associated software a service provider would need to deploy fiber to the premises (FTTP) to up to 1000 premises.

Stephen Hardy

With operators in line to receive funds from government programs with deployment due dates, Nokia has created the Rural Broadband Relief Program – or, more slickly, a “network in a box” kit. Nokia states the kit has the elements of active hardware and associated software a service provider would need to deploy fiber to the premises (FTTP) in a hurry to up to 1000 premises.

The kit comprises optical line terminals (OLTs) and optical network terminals (ONTs), software licenses, support, and in-home WiFi gateways. Stefaan Vanhastel, CTO at Nokia Fixed Networks, said at this week’s Fiber Connect 2022 conference and exhibition in Nashville, TN, that the company has established the necessary supply chain resources to support rapid delivery of the kits. The OLTs will support GPON or XGS-PON from each port. Nokia has not yet delivered any of the kits, Vanhastel stated.

“The pandemic magnified the importance of having broadband regardless of a household's geographical location. Families residing in rural communities, particularly those with school-aged children, suffered greatly from a lack of broadband and ability to participate in remote learning,” said Sandy Motley, president, Fixed Networks at Nokia, said via a press release. “We want to support the operators launching in hyper-localized markets but who cannot secure broadband equipment in these difficult times. In addition, we also believe that all service providers need to have one eye on the future, so all the kits can support 25G PON today or when the need arises.”

“While nearly every company in every industry has been impacted by global shortages of critical electronic components and chips, Nokia’s global supply chain has allowed them to fair a bit better than other companies in this market vertical,” added Jeff Heynen, vice president of broadband access and home networking at market research firm Dell’Oro Group.

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.