Alcatel is complementing its BPON-based fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) portfolio with a platform based on more advanced GPON technology.
Alcatel said its 7342 ISAM FTTU Gigabit Passive Optical Network system will push out subscriber data rates of 200 Mbps and higher, and fiber optic facility rates of up to 2.5 Gbps. It can support more than 2,000 users per shelf, the vendor said.
Although large telcos such as Verizon have opted for BPON early on, operators are also giving more consideration to GPON due to its ability to support IP-based video services. Alcatel claimed that its deployed 7340 BPON systems can migrate to the higher-bandwidth GPON platform.
“The introduction of our GPON solution demonstrates Alcatel’s continued commitment to providers worldwide who are deploying triple play services, and we believe fiber-to-the-premise represents a key dimension in their deployments,” said Michel Rahier, head of Alcatel’s global fixed communication activities.
By taking the GPON path, Alcatel will compete with relative startups such as Flexlight Networks and Optical Solutions.