Nexans and TeliSwitch have formed a partnership to promote a suite of automatic optical distribution frame (AODF) solutions – which, the companies say, offers the potential for FTTH operators to dramatically reduce their network reconfiguration and service times, especially for PoP (point of presence) installations in remote, hard-to-reach locations.
This TeliSwitch patented AODF technology, which relies on a robot to make totally repeatable and reliable physical patch-cord connections around a specialised cylindrical geometry, can be deployed as part of a fully integrated turnkey solution using the Nexans range of FTTH cables, connectors, patch-cords and splitters.
At the heart of the AODF is a robot that provides a secure and reliable cross connection at the first physical layer in the fibre-optic network – with the patch-cord connector always installed in the right socket. Remote operation eliminates routine site visits by engineers for network reconfiguration & equipment recovery, cutting service times and costs. Testing can also be carried out remotely during low-traffic periods, such as at night, and in case of network failure it allows for a shorter mean-time-to-repair (MTTR).
'The AODF solution offers in particular, enhanced reliability, reduced service times and costs. Thanks to the remote configuration, the payback period could be less than 12 months,' said Jean-Christophe Monatlik, marketing and development manager, Nexans. 'We are already planning field trials with Stokab, the Swedish telecoms operator owned by the City of Stockholm and a provider of dark fibres.'
