Grain Connect taps DZS to expand UK Ethernet point-to-point broadband infrastructure
DZS (NASDAQ: DZSI) says it has won a deal with UK alternative fiber broadband provider Grain Connect expand its UK fiber network. Grain uses an Ethernet point-to-point topology rather than the more common PON approach for its fiber broadband infrastructure.
Grain sees the Ethernet point-to-point approach as a differentiator, according to DZS. The topology sees dedicated fiber connections for each subscriber, thus avoiding the potential issues associated with sharing a PON connection among multiple subscribers (see “Active Ethernet FTTH offers PON alternative”). DZS says its active Ethernet point-to-point platforms will enable Grain to support from 24 to more than 500 gigabit-capable subscribers on a single system.
“As we look to rapidly grow our network, DZS fiber access technology has offered our residential customers superior density and exceptional reliability, which means less downtime and lower maintenance costs,” said Rich Robinson, managing director at Grain. “Whether we are going into new or existing communities, we have been able to quickly and cost effectively deliver ‘true fiber’ and symmetrical gigabit broadband – ensuring high customer satisfaction. This is even more important during the pandemic as households demand even higher levels of performance and reliability in the face of unprecedented network traffic volume driven by consumers who now work, attend school, play games and watch movies simultaneously from home.”
“Grain Connect is proving to be one of the most promising alternative providers in the U.K. market – building symmetrical fiber broadband networks across the country and emerging as a technology leader,” added Charlie Vogt, president and CEO at DZS. “Today, they are distinguishing themselves as symmetrical gigabit service leaders, but they also see symmetrical 10-gigabit services clearly on the horizon and stand ready to make the shift as the market demands. We congratulate Grain on their success to date and look forward to helping them continue to innovative their point-to-point fiber network, which is yielding best-in-market speed tests and supporting an enviable nationwide growth trajectory.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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