ADTRAN offers 10G-EPON virtual remote OLTs for cable MSO DPoE, distributed access architectures

ADTRAN, Inc., (NASDAQ:ADTN) will use the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo October 17-20, 2017, to debut a line of environmentally sealed 10G-EPON virtual Remote-OLTs (virtual R-OLTs) for cable MSO networks. The platforms leverage the ADTRAN Mosaic software-defined access platform as well as support for DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON (DPoE) in a manner that ADTRAN hopes will earn them a place in cable operators' networks today as well as in the evolution toward virtualized distributed access architecture (DAA) deployments.

The new line includes the ADTRAN 9504N R-OLT for use in DPoE-based fiber to the premises (FTTP) networks and DAA roll outs as well as the SDX 6210-4 virtual R-OLT for DAA implementations that include virtualization. As the term implies, DAA envisions the relocation of functions traditionally found in headends (such as those involving Layer 3) into nodes located closer to the customer. The move would free space and lower power requirements in the headend while supporting higher performance. The approach can lead to disaggregated hardware and functional virtualization, not unlike such efforts as Central Office Re-architected as a Data Center (CORD), an initiative of which cable MSO Comcast is a member.

"Now, more than ever before, the network impact of supporting more bandwidth is demanding service providers make a significant architectural shift. The emergence of low-latency augmented and virtual reality applications is also forcing providers, including cable MSOs, to reevaluate their network infrastructure," said Rupert Wood, research director at Analysys Mason, in explaining the interest in DAA via an ADTRAN press release. "Distributed, Remote-OLT access architectures, by moving FTTH electronics into the outside plant, afford the operator a network that can support much higher access speeds and subscriber capacity while also alleviating headend space congestion."

Disaggregated design and software-defined capabilities also are among the benefits Verizon has sought for its NG-PON2 platforms. ADTRAN undoubtedly was able to leverage its work in this program (see "Verizon NG-PON2 interop trial brings selection closer") in the creation of the virtual R-OLTs. Its competition for the lion's share of Verizon's NG-PON2 systems buy, Calix, also has released a 10G-EPON platform for virtualized DAA applications (see "Calix AXOS E3-2 Intelligent PON Node supports distributed access network architectures").

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