ECI Enhances Fiber Access Portfolio with New FTTB Solutions

ECI Telecom announced new gigabit passive optical network (GPON) and gigabit Ethernet (GbE) additions to its broadband access product suite, specifically targeting fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) network requirements. Two new optical network units (ONUs) are being announced to address different requirements and include the new G-PoweRAM™ 48V and the MiniCABTM 8V. Both ONUs allow service providers to meet the demand for higher bandwidth in a cost-effective deployment scenario.

ECI's new G-PoweRAM 48V is optimized for large multi-dwelling units (MDUs) in densely populated areas. This ONU, which features GPON connectivity to the building and VDSL2 within the premises, allows service providers to support as many as 48 subscribers on one unit. The G-PoweRAM 48V is based on network-processor technology, supporting advanced multi-play service-enabling intelligence functionality.

For areas of smaller residential buildings, ECI's new MiniCAB 8V is a compact device that supports up to eight subscribers and offers service providers the versatility to deploy either a GbE or GPON uplink, along with VDSL2 in the site.

By deploying the G-PowerRAM and the MiniCAB, along with ECI's best-of-breed Hi-FOCuS™ Multi-Service Access Node (MSAN) Optical Line Terminator (OLT), service providers can leverage existing in–building copper wiring to provide subscribers additional bandwidth, resulting in considerable cost savings.

"In expanding our fiber access solutions, ECI has created the most comprehensive product portfolio for FTTB networks in the market today. Optimal and cost effective deployment of fiber solutions is a key requirement of our customers and one which has guided us throughout the development process. This is made possible by delivering a solution which has the widest range of form factors, is fully compatible and is strengthened by a unified management system," said Eyal Shaked, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ECI Telecom's Network Solutions Division (NSD).

ECI's complete line of ONUs enables optimal fiber access deployment, resulting in significantly low total cost of network ownership. With the wide range of devices offering a breadth of capacity, service providers can choose the most optimized platform for any deployment scenario. They can transition gradually by continuing to offer DSL where required and grow fiber as customers' demand increases. Providers who have already deployed ECI's MSANs for DSL can leverage their existing investment when migrating to fiber as the Hi-FOCuS MSAN can also be used to deploy FTTB as well as FTTH networks. Furthermore, all access units can be managed under ECI's OPS centralized element management system (EMS).

ECI has been a major international player in PON research and development over the past decade. This wealth of practical experience in understanding and meeting customer requirements enables ECI to rise to the challenge of this expanding telecommunications market with the latest, most advanced GPON technology.

The GPoweRAM 48V and the MiniCAB 8V will be available in Q2 2008, with already strong interest in both ONUs from existing and new customers.


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