TXP launches powering architecture, new products at NXTcomm

JUNE 15, 2007 -- TXP Corp. (search for TXP), provider of GPON optical network terminal (search for ONT) equipment for service providers worldwide, has announced a customer premises powering architecture and new products that the company claims can slash ILEC costs in delivering FTTP-based services.

TXP says it has developed the industry's first portfolio of Power-over-Anything (PoA) GPON ONTs for fiber-to-the-premises (search for FTTP) deployments. PoA enables true no-new-wire FTTP installations as the subscriber's conventional inside wiring--whether coax, twisted pair, or Cat 5--now can be used to power the ONT. PoA eliminates the "through the wall" power cabling carriers are performing today, plus the time-consuming effort of getting each subscriber's individual approval for the location of their UPS, say TXP representatives.

The company also claims to have developed the industry's first FTTP-PowerHub, a product collaboratively developed with CyberPower, provider of FTTP UPS systems. The FTTP-PowerHub can be installed in the home where subscribers naturally expect it, i.e., in close proximity to their computer or residential gateway (RG). The FTTP-PowerHub powers the ONT but can also power the RG and/or personal router using standard Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), says the company.

"ILECs are hungry to find ways to simplify the installation process and cut FTTH turn-up costs, and power has been one of the major challenges for ONTs," explains Michael C. Shores, CEO of TXP. "Our approach improves things dramatically. We've integrated data traffic, ONT power, and power monitoring and reporting for the UPS backup battery into a single physical connection."

"As a result, FTTP installation time is significantly reduced," he continues. "Installers don't have to find a special location inside the home for the UPS, nor is there a need to drill another hole through the customer's outside wall for the power cable. Plus, with the help of UPS suppliers like CyberPower, we've simplified battery maintenance."

TXP says it developed the product in collaboration with ILECs and power supply vendors, and by closely examining what ILECs go through to turn up FTTP services.

Following the introduction of TXP's 7200 family of Mini-ONTs, which incorporated PoA, TXP confirms it is in the process of providing PoA as a standard capability in its entire ONT product line.

The key to the new architecture is TXP's patent-pending FTTP-PowerHub feature. An FTTP-PowerHub consolidates the existing FTTP powering components and transforms them into a single, indoor, under-the-desk powering product with enhanced capabilities that improve the ILECs' installation time, network visibility, service, support, and potential revenue generation, say TXP representatives. The FTTP-PowerHub provides managed power to the ONT over subscriber wiring, be it coax, twisted pair, or Cat 5, and also provides power via PoE to other connected devices. During a power outage, backup power can be selectively applied to the connected devices.

Additionally, the FTTP-PowerHub monitors and reports power alarms to the ONT using a standard software interface, says the company. Typically installed in the home adjacent to the customer's RG or computer, the FTTP-PowerHub enables longer power backup duration, extends battery life, significantly reduces installation costs for the carrier by using existing in-home wiring rather than dedicated power and alarm cabling, and makes battery replacement easy and convenient for the subscriber.

With the FTTP-PowerHub's integrated multi-port Gigabit Layer 2 switch, it can provide a new "inside-the-home IP service demarcation point" to separate carrier and subscriber networks, adds the company. This architecture increases the revenue potential for carriers by supporting a managed media server for ultra high-speed services within the subscriber home, while also reducing support costs in situations where a subscriber connects their internal network to the FTTP-PowerHub for local switching of in-home applications.

TXP is demonstrating its PoA-based portfolio of GPON ONT products for single family homes, multi-family dwellings, and businesses, for both indoor and outdoor applications, at NXTcomm 2007 in Chicago, from June 19 � 21, in Booth #7715. CyberPower's FTTx DC Power Backup with "FTTP-PowerHub Inside" also will be displayed in TXP's booth.

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