Alcatel-Lucent is expanding its portfolio of broadband access products with a new platform that will help cable multiple system operators (MSOs) in North America extend the reach of their 10-gigabit-speed fibre-optic services to more businesses and consumers.
The FX-12 platform – which will join the 7360 ISAM FX product family – will provide high-capacity access capabilities for large-scale deployments of ultra-broadband services for residences and businesses.
As Alcatel-Lucent looks to expand its business in markets beyond its traditional communications service provider customer base, it has invested in developing features targeted at the needs of cable operators. The introduction of the FX-12 platform follows the company’s earlier introduction of an EPON platform designed specifically for cable networks.
The FX-12 offers an attractive 19 inch-wide, high-capacity shelf optimised for the deployment of EPON, both 10G and 1G, in cable MSOs’ networks. The new platform helps to maximise port density and ensures more efficient use of limited space, an important consideration for all cable operators.
In addition, the new platform features embedded support for a critical capability called DOCSIS provisioning of EPON (DPoE) that enables cable MSOs to support EPON access technology while still using their existing back office systems and processes.
The new FX-12 augments Alcatel-Lucent's 7360 FX portfolio of hardened shelves including the FX-8 and FX-4. All of these shelves are designed to provide 10G EPON with DPoE in outdoor deployment scenarios as well as hub office locations.
Federico Guillén, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s fixed access business line said: “Alcatel-Lucent sees a growing opportunity to address the needs of cable MSOs as they move to embrace fibre-based ultra-broadband access, IP and cloud networking technologies. The FX-12 is another great example of how we have committed to serving the cable market and are investing in new capabilities for MSOs.”