In a bid to enhance its FTTH solution, Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) has added three new features to its 7342 ISAM Fiber-to-the-User (FTTU) system, covering optical monitoring, metro Ethernet connectivity and remote synchronization capabilities.

 

Apart from optical performance monitoring, the Alcatel-Lucent FTTU platform will be able to connect with metro Ethernet networks by providing a set of options for virtual private networking and Ethernet connectivity. This enables service providers to generate new revenue from Ethernet services using fiber to the home and business connectivity.

 

The third feature is connected to IEEE (News - Alert) 1588 timing. This feature provides the necessary synchronization for remote placement of gigabit passive optical network (GPON) systems in outside plant and connectivity of DS1 services.

 

DS1 connections usually are used for business termination and mobile backhaul. The addition of a robust set of business services options now enables providers to terminate business and residential subscribers over the same passive optical network.

 

"The new 7342 ISAM FTTU system capabilities, such as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) optical test and measurement enhancements, support of emerging Metro Ethernet Forum (News - Alert) (MEF)-based services, and IEEE 1588 timing for remote GPON OLT synchronization applications, demonstrate that Alcatel- Lucent continues to effectively meet the evolving challenges of operators in the highly competitive FTTx equipment market segment,” said Ron Westfall, research director, Current Analysis (News - Alert).

 

Alcatel-Lucent is also involved in more than 85 FTTx projects around the world, over 65 of which are with GPON. Service providers have adopted Alcatel-Lucent's GPON solution, including Verizon, France Telecom (News - Alert), Neuf Cegetel, Hanaro Telecom and Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited.