Hitachi Telecom (USA) said it will be using Arris’ CXM High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) solution in some of its GPON installations.
The combination solves a specific problem for Hitachi as it markets its AMN1220 gigabit passive optical networking (GPON) system aimed at hotels and other high occupancy MDU facilities. ONTs (optical network terminals) are expensive, especially for tests and in deployments where the number of actual subscribers starts out in the single digits. The expense of an ONT is also a barrier in instances where potential subscribers are likely to sign up only for data services because they are already taking video (and voice) from another service provider.
Hitachi was looking for an inexpensive alternative to ONTs, and Arris had one with its CXM products.
The CXM Broadband Gateway is capable of supporting up to 256 customers. It simply combines 100 Mbps Ethernet and RF signals in coaxial cable. It operates above 900 MHz, and so does not interfere with other traffic being carried on the coax cable. Each subscriber gets a CXM SD30x modem. The modem is connected to the subscriber’s computer, and splits the Ethernet signal to the computer, and the TV signal, if any, to the TV.
Together the components provide service providers with an easily installed and highly cost-efficient solution to address this potentially high revenue market segment.
“GPON is new,” said Rick Schiavinato, Hitachi Telecom vice president, sales and marketing. “The only place for innovation in GPON is in the ONT, but right now there’s not enough volume there to drive price down. Long term, every subscriber will get their own ONT, but right now, the price points aren’t there yet.”
Hitachi’s GPON platform supports full-rate GPON (2.4 Gbps downstream, 1.2 Gbps upstream) and the delivery of RF/IP video, VoIP/POTS voice, and high-speed data services. Hitachi claims the distinction of being the first vendor to place a full-rate GPON system into commercial service; it is in Bandon, Ore., installed in June, 2006.
