KCOM amps Lightstream services in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire with ADVA FSP 150 packet edge platform

July 13, 2020

ADVA says that the packet edge devices will enable KCOM to smoothly transition from 1-Gbps to 10-Gbps service delivery while preparing the network to support 5G mobile requirements.

Stephen Hardy

UK broadband service provider KCOM has deployed ADVA FSP 150 demarcation and aggregation devices to improve Livestream gigabit service delivery in in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area. ADVA (FSE: ADV) says that the packet edge devices will enable KCOM to smoothly transition from 1-Gbps to 10-Gbps service delivery while preparing the network to support 5G mobile requirements.

KCOM has deployed ADVA's MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certified 100G FSP 150 platforms, which offer 100G demarcation and 10G service aggregation. Hardware-based timing and full activation testing will help ensure network quality and availability, ADVA says. The service provider also will leverage ADVA’s Ensemble Controller to enable programmatic SDN control of the devices.

“Our Lightstream service has already had a huge impact on businesses and in homes across this region. Now, ADVA’s technology is empowering us to go further than ever before by creating the UK’s first full-fiber city and delivering super-fast fiber connectivity to previously underserved areas,” said Tim Shaw, managing director, wholesale and networks, KCOM. “By leveraging ADVA’s packet edge device, we’ve been able to smoothly transition to 100-Gbps capacity in our access network and aggregate lower-speed services. What makes the solution so valuable though are its extra benefits. As well as a small footprint and low power, ADVA’s packet edge technology comes with fully automated service activation. Together with its extended temperature range, this makes it simple to deploy in any environment and on a large scale.”

KCOM provides broadband and phone services to more than 140,000 residential and business customers in its home city of Hull as well as East Yorkshire. Its national arm provides connectivity and IT services to public and private sector organizations across the UK. The company was acquired by Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 6 in August 2019 (see "Maquerie’s MEIF 6 Fibre to buy UK service provider KCOM").

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.