Aurora Networks signs MoU with China’s DRFT for cable equipment cooperation

Aurora Networks, Inc., which specializes in optical equipment for cable networks, says it has signed a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation with China’s Radio, Film and Television Design and Research Institute (DRFT). The agreement may give Aurora the inside track on supplying equipment for a nationwide upgrade of cable operator networks in China.

DRFT, as part of China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), provides network design expertise to local cable operators, particularly within the context of the country’s Three Network Convergence program. The Three Network Convergence effort aims to integrate telecom, broadcasting, and Internet service delivery capabilities on a single network for cable operators within the country.

DRFT currently is reviewing technologies for this program. As part of the recently signed MoU, Aurora Networks and DRFT will develop a joint laboratory where the company will provide technical training on its fiber-optic transmission systems via a classroom-like setting and lab sessions. In addition, Aurora Networks will advise DRFT on future network design projects. Based on the information DRFT provides, the company will generate network design recommendations to use as a prototype for DRFT’s cable operators to follow.

The agreement, the only one currently of its kind according to Ed Feghali, Aurora’s vice president of sales, Asia, would appear to put Feghali’s company in the driver’s seat for future equipment purchases. Feghali says that Aurora has already provided its LcWDM systems for DRFT trials.

DRFT has an interest in deploying DOCSIS 3.0 technology, but has not been satisfied with the analog return technology that Chinese cable operators most commonly use, the Feghali said. Aurora Networks specializes in digital return transmitter technology, among other optical communications technologies.

“Aurora Networks is respected as a leading provider of cutting-edge optical fiber technologies,” said Xu Jiaqi, president of DRFT, in a press release. “Their knowledge and expertise in this area will help to increase our local cable operators understanding of both the operational and network deployment techniques that utilize fiber optics to accommodate next generation services. The `win-win' cooperation between Aurora Networks and DRFT will produce significant benefits in China’s next-generation network development.”