JUNE 22, 2009 -- Communications semiconductor manufacturer Broadcom Corp. (search Lightwave for Broadcom) will introduce a new family of GPON integrated access device (IAD) semiconductors to telecom providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in China this year. The BCM6800 family of GPON gateway processors is designed to enable more cost-effective optical network terminals (ONTs) or optical network units (ONUs) used in conjunction with service provider networks. As a result, says Broadcom, service providers that deploy its gateway processors will benefit from increased bandwidth for services such as high-quality triple play, high-definition (HD) video, gaming, wireless, and voice over IP (VoIP) supporting FTTH and FTTN applications.
The GPON specification is based on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) G.984 GPON recommendation that offers Chinese carriers a global standard for PON deployments, with economies of scale built on interoperability and driven by deployments around the world. GPON offers network timing that is compatible with existing time-division multiplexing (TDM) voice networks in carrier infrastructures, which allows carriers to transition existing TDM traffic to a more cost-effective network, which is anticipated to lead to greater revenue return on legacy services with corresponding declines in operating costs.
"Broadcom is pleased to provide our Chinese customers with a reliable and cost-effective, stable, long-term source of GPON silicon," says Greg Fischer, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Carrier Access line of business. "Our presence and commitment to the carrier market in China is well established with leadership in DSL, Ethernet, and wireless LAN products. The global GPON standard provides next-generation FTTH and FTTN opportunities for China and we look forward to extending our leading access technologies and investments in this area."
The BCM6800 family comprises FTTX products spanning gigabit bridges through full IAD capabilities. Combined with Broadcom's ADSL2+, VDSL2, and Gigabit Ethernet products, they are intended to form a complete FTTN or FTTB portfolio for remote nodes and multidwelling units.
Broadcom will begin production of these GPON devices later this year and is actively supporting customer designs now.
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