Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) used INTX 2105 in Chicago this week to unveil the FX-12, a compact addition to the 7360 ISAM FX line that supports the growing interest among cable operators in 10G EPON.
At the show, Alcatel-Lucent Global Leader, Cable Solutions & Strategy Vik Saxena said the new platform was designed to meet the needs of a specific Tier 1 cable operator (this one, I'm guessing). The system is in lab trials and should be generally available in the next few weeks, he said.
The FX-12 incorporates DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON (DPoE), a set of specifications CableLabs established to make PON systems compatible with the DOCSIS operating system cable operators employ to manage their hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks (see "CableLabs preps EPON for MSO business services support"). Alcatel-Lucent announced DPoE capabilities and a customer in October 2013 (see "Alcatel-Lucent unveils DPoE platform, signs Bright House Networks"). While Alcatel-Lucent hasn't announced other DPoE customers since then, Saxena and other Alcatel-Lucent sources reported that they have some.
Saxena reported that cable operators worldwide are expressing interested in PON technology, both EPON and GPON; Alcatel-Lucent can support either via the 7360. CableLabs also has begun work on DOCSIS Provisioning of GPON specifications.
The FX-12 supports 12 slots in a 19 inch-wide shelf and can deliver both 1G and 10G EPON as well as support point-to-point architectures. It is hardened to enable deployment in field huts.
Alcatel-Lucent unveiled the FX-12 shortly after CommScope unveiled its 10G EPON offering for cable operators (see "CommScope to unveil 10G EPON OLT at INTX"). The announcements signal a growing interest in 10G EPON technology among cable operators.
For more information on FTTx equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.
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Stephen Hardy
Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
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