February 2, 2006 Richardson, TX -- Fujitsu Network Communications has announced significant enhancements to its North American access strategy, in order to enter the North American Gigabit passive optical metworking (GPON) market.

The company says its new GPON architecture leverages technology from its Gigabit Ethernet passive optical networking (GEPON) systems in the Asian market, complemented by its multi-service access node (MSAN) platform, as well as by IP digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) from its U.K. deployment programs.

The company says its GPON architecture is designed to significantly lower the cost of deploying and operating passive optical networks, while providing seamless integration with both existing time division multiplexed (TDM) networks and next-generation packet transport networks.

"We're combining our global PON research and development expertise, global access experience, and our renowned strength in SONET, DWDM, and packet transport to create a very compelling architecture and solution for the GPON market," remarks Bill Erickson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Fujitsu Network Communications. "We are very excited by the initial customer feedback."