Adtran plans for gigabit MDU connectivity via mix of FTTH, G.fast protocols

As reported by Cabling Installation & Maintenance sister site, Lightwave, Adtran (NASDAQ: ADTN) has continued a run of broadband technology and deployment announcements with by releasing its near-term vision for gigabit services support for multiple-dwelling units (MDUs). The company says it will support both pure-play fiber to the living unit (FTTLU) via conventional fiber to the home (FTTH) approaches, as well as G.fast-enabled fiber to the building (FTTB).

Further, the company says that it will offer MDU-optimized versions of its recently announced micro optical network terminals (μONTs) for applications that will leverage fiber to the living unit. These include the 401, a 4-W platform that supports 1-Gbps data rates and a 1x10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet connection, and the 441, which adds a 1xFXS RJ-11 connection to the 401's capabilities at less than 5 W total.

Adtran also is offering terminals compatible with the G.fast protocol to support 500 Mbps to possibly 1-Gbps data rates using existing in-building copper plant such as CAT 3. (The length of the copper cabling runs and the type of copper cable installed are among the factors that could influence whether 1 Gbps is possible in a given deployment.) Company sources told attendees at a media/analyst event earlier this month that they expect chip sets for G.fast system and line card designs to become generally available by the end of this year. Carriers should begin field trials next year, with commercial deployments following in 2016, the Adtran sources predicted.

Meanwhile, as noted by Lightwave, interest in gigabit services provision continues to grow. "We are seeing a steady increase in global demand for FTTH services and foresee a near-term future where gigabit is available across a service provider’s entire subscriber base," said Jeff Heynen, principal analyst, Infonetics Research. "While MDUs present a unique set of challenges in terms of density and complexity when delivering FTTH services, this demographic represents a significant business opportunity for service providers. It will be critical for service providers to ensure they are reaching this market with solutions that provide maximum flexibility for their gigabit service roll out, as well as meeting the high expectations of this broadband savvy audience."

"MDUs represent a prime business opportunity for service providers around the country. Millennials are a large percentage of the residents in these buildings and place a premium on the availability and quality of their broadband experience. This type of residential demand makes MDUs a perfect target for gigabit service delivery," concludes Darrell Brown, director of product management, broadband access for Adtran's Carrier Network Division. "Adtran is making it easier for service providers to deploy these high-value services with FTTLU µONTs and FTTB G.fast architectures, which not only deliver the right technology solution, but also enable the service provider to build out a cost structure that makes good business sense to the building owners."

Source: Lightwave