NTT's Flexible Access Systems Architecture envisions white-box OLTs
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT) says it has unveiled its Flexible Access System Architecture (FASA), which aims to provide greater flexibility for fiber to the home (FTTH) networks through the use of virtualized functions. This includes a concept for a white-box optical line terminal (OLT).
Developed as part of NTT's NetroSphere effort to meet future communications needs, FASA looks to move from application-specific hardware such as proprietary OLTs to low-cost, modular, software-enabled platforms that can adapt quickly to changes in service. For example, the FASA OLT would combine software components, generic hardware, and external modules (see illustration above). The modules would address functions, such as optical transmission, that neither the software components nor generic hardware could support easily, while maintaining the flexibility the removal of purpose-built hardware would create.
NTT sees FASA as an avenue toward support of immediate service provision through rapid software and, if necessary, module exchange. To promote an open access environment and ensure efficiency, NTT says it has embarked on development of APIs for FASA with multiple suppliers. These APIs will be released "in phases," with the first scheduled for launch this May.
NTT plans to run FASA through its paces via the NetroSpherePIT testbed at the NTT R&D Forum 2016, February 18-19, 2016, at the NTT Musashino R&D Center (Musashino, Tokyo).
NTT says it will cooperate with international and domestic equipment vendors, carriers, and others on further development of FASA or related approaches. Work is going on elsewhere to virtualize aspects of the access network, with the Central Office Re-architected as a Data Center (CORD) perhaps the best known (see "AT&T, ON.Lab to lead CORD proof-of-concept demonstration").
For more information on FTTx equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
Contact Stephen to discuss:
- Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
- The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
- Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
- Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
- Coverage of announcements
- General questions of an editorial nature