ADTRAN 10G-EPON Virtual R-OLTs Bridge Old & New Worlds

While operators roll out modern, future-capable architectures, they cannot simply abandon extensive investments in DOCSIS-based OSS and IT systems. With the recent release of its 10G-EPON virtual Remote OLTs (virtual R-OLTs), ADTRAN allows MSOs to advance their 10-Gbit/s fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), software-defined access and automation strategies while simultaneously integrating into older systems.

"Service automation is a major issue for MSOs. Introducing new network architecture and the requirements of faster deployments of new services makes automation a must do," Hossam Salib, vice president of cable and wireless strategy at ADTRAN, told UBB2020. "With our new virtual R-OLT we can support legacy automated provisioning systems (DPoE), and with SD-Access we support new virtualized automation of customer CPE and remote access equipment."

The 10G-EPON virtual R-OLTs deliver DPoE, native software-defined network (SDN) integration and remote outside-plant packaging, according to the vendor. These capabilities enable ADTRAN and its cable customers to use distributed access architecture (DAA) deployments and FTTH for improved ultra-broadband services, ADTRAN said in its press release.

"The ADTRAN OLTs bridge the management horizon with support of both DPoE management and modern SDN control protocols, allowing MSOs to effectively execute over time their transition to virtualized, managed and orchestrated SD-Access service architectures," said Salib.

By moving FTTH electronics into the outside plant, operators build networks that support higher access speeds and subscriber capacity, and ease headend space congestion, said Rupert Wood, research director at Analysys Mason, in a statement. DAA and R-OLTs assuage issues such as capital, operational and regulatory hurdles and the time-consuming and expensive permits typically required to add fiber from the headend; these all decelerate operators' ability to turn up services.

"This disaggregated OLT as it is remotely deployed (out in the neighborhood or outside plant (OSP)) can be installed very cost-effectively, as it incurs no real estate charges or cabinet construction. It is protected from the elements and strand mounted (installed up on the aerial cable wires running through the neighborhoods)," said Salib.

ADTRAN R-OLTs integrate DPoE management methods and Layer 3 functionality (such as provisioning and routing) running on specialized components, the vendor said. Or operators can opt to virtualize Layer 3 and other functions to realize additional flexibility, simplification and cost benefits. The new OLTs support DPoE management and SDN control protocols to support an MSO's transition to virtualized, managed and orchestrated SD-Access service architectures, said ADTRAN.

The virtualization reduces power space requirements of R-OLT, for cost savings, Salib told UBB2020. And it allows MCOs to add new features or performance enhancements in the headend software without changing the R-OLT -- a flexibility, service and speed benefit, he noted.

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  — Alison Diana, Editor, UBB2020. Follow us on Twitter @UBB2020 or @alisoncdiana.