The Ethernet Passive Optical Networking (EPON) solution can be integrated into existing cable access and is said to help MSOs deliver high-capacity data for businesses.
Bright House Networks, the sixth-largest cable owner and operator in the US, has already implemented Alcatel-Lucent’s EPON solution to help with its migration to 10G, specifically using the technology for its last-mile fibre connectivity and to support its MetroE and cell backhaul services.
“Compared with competing alternatives, EPON has clear advantages in capital efficiency, vendor interoperability, bandwidth scalability and standardised provisioning,” said Craig Cowden, SVP, network engineering/operations & enterprise solutions, Bright House Networks.
Alcatel-Lucent claims EPON delivers bandwidth of up to 1G or 10G upload and download speeds, and supports three-to-four times the number of customers per fibre as existing point-to-point CWDM solutions.
Commenting on the launch, Erik Keith, principal analyst of access and digital media infrastructure at Current Analysis, said that expanding its fibre access portfolio is “a logical move for Alcatel-Lucent, given the emphasis placed on the cable market in the company’s Shift Plan”.
“The wealth of experience Alcatel-Lucent brings from its leading position in the fixed-access market, combined with its strong presence in North America, will make this new EPON solution an attractive proposition for MSOs,” he added.
