JUNE 25, 2008 -- Harmonic Inc. (search for Harmonic) says that it has worked with CommScope Inc. (search for CommScope) to assure compatibility of products to provide cable operators with an integrated fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) offering.
Harmonic's MAXLink forward path transmitters and return path receivers combined with CommScope's BrightPath system enable cable operators to implement an RF over glass (RFOG) architecture for greenfield type deployments, the companies say. Integrated with the existing headend infrastructure and consumer premise equipment, this approach offers a prudent use of capital and reduces traditional operating expenditures while dramatically increasing available bandwidth to the home, they continue. Cable operators can use the products to offer a competitive slate of services against telco-based FTTH architectures with a true all-fiber cable architecture.
CommScope's BrightPath system is designed to provide cable operators with a simple and cost-effective FTTH alternative to the existing telco passive optical network (PON) designs. The strength of the architecture is that it can be applied as needed within the HFC network, leaving the operator's current headend equipment model intact, CommScope says. Analog and digital services for video, voice, and data match existing protocols in both the forward and reverse path.
Harmonic's MAXLink family of transmitters and optical amplifiers is designed for 1550-nm-based network applications. The MAXLink system can be used for a variety of applications and architectures, including long-haul transport and fiber-dense architectures. The forward path is used in conjunction with the widely deployed high-gain return receivers at the headend.
"In today's highly competitive environment, the ability for cable operators to have a solution available to be able to respond to the telco architecture is crucial. This solution does not require a 'fork-lift' of the typically capital intensive cable headend equipment," said Sunil Frida, Director of HFC Solutions for Harmonic Inc.
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