GCI extends network capacity with Harmonic's SUPRALINK 1,550-nm DWDM system

Oct. 29, 2009
OCTOBER 29, 2009 -- General Communication Inc. has deployed Harmonic's SUPRALink 1,550-nm DWDM transmission system and PWRBlazer segmentable nodes to expand bandwidth capacity across its network.

OCTOBER 29, 2009 -- General Communication Inc. (GCI), a provider of voice, video, and data communication services to residential, commercial, and government customers throughout Alaska, has deployed Harmonic's SUPRALink 1,550-nm DWDM transmission system and PWRBlazer segmentable nodes to expand bandwidth capacity across its network. GCI also utilizes Harmonic's NSG edgeQAMs for its video-on-demand service.

GCI is transitioning from a centralized broadcast/narrowcast architecture with optical combining at the hubs to a distributed architecture using IP transport and full-band SUPRALink transmitters at the hubs for transport to the nodes. In addition to increasing bandwidth to the home, say the companies, this approach improves reliability by eliminating single points of failure, simplifies node segmentation, and makes the network easier to troubleshoot.

"Harmonic's HFC access and digital video solutions enhance the reliability, performance, and efficiency of our cable network," says Dave Smith, project manager at GCI. "Over the years, Harmonic has continued to provide innovative solutions for our HFC architecture. The SUPRALink system is a high-quality solution that enables us to put in place a scalable, distributed fiber-deep architecture."

Incorporating patent-pending technology, Harmonic says its SUPRALink system delivers up to a fourfold increase in fiber reach over 1,310-nm systems. It supports up to eight wavelengths per single fiber over link distances of up to 40 km with optical amplification, for up to 1 GHz of both digital and analog content per wavelength.

"SUPRALink is being deployed by MSOs throughout North America and around the world," says Sunil Frida, director of HFC Solutions for Harmonic. "Its unique design increases fiber reach without requiring an increase in the number of fibers, freeing up fiber for commercial services or cell tower backhaul applications. This solution offers a clear savings in capital expenditures, and because it is an all-passive network, it provides a savings in operating costs as well for the cable operator."

Harmonic is exhibiting at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2009, Oct. 28-30, Booth #11107, in Denver, CO.


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