PON OLT shootout
Mobile network operators could save endless time and money on hardware when virtualizing and upgrading their fibre networks thank to a new multi-terabit Optical Line Terminal (OLTs) invention from Slovenian mobile network operator S&T Iskratel. Like all great engineering, it hides the complexity and empowers the user with an easy modus operandum that makes the user feel empowered.
The equipment pulls off three major coups. Its versatility creates long term continuity, because it can accommodate the full variety of technology options likely to present themselves in the near future. It’s designed to pack in more ports, offering connectivity on an unprecedented scale. Thirdly, it has fine-tuned Passive Optical networking to create a capacity that smashes all data speed records.
The Kranj-based telco in the Central European republic unveiled the equipment at the FTTH Conference in Madrid, on April 18th. It is capable of uploading at 1.4 Tbps, making the Iskratel Lumia T6 the world’s fastest shelf-based PON OLT.
The time and money savings fo MNOs come from its ability to smoothly upgrade in the same chassis when new PON generations are available. With 800 Gbps per subscriber blade and 3.4 Tbps switching capacity, Iskratel Lumia T6 will easily support 50GPON and 100GPON, in addition to current 10-gigabit PON technologies such as Combo PON and XGS-PON.
The company has launched an extra-scalable, high-density OLT called the Iskratel Lumia T14, which can host present and future PON technologies. While Iskratel Lumia T6 can serve over 20,000 users with its 80/64 ports, the bigger Iskratel Lumia T14 can provide PON connectivity to more than 50,000 users with its 208/192 Combo PON ports.
High speeds are one thing but it’s the convenience of parading the networks without tear of frustration that will appeal. Better still, the technology has given telcos the option to increase the overall number of subscribers in both urban and rural locations.
As video conferencing, 4K video streaming, gaming and cloud storage rapidly become all the rage, they creating a booming demand for data rates for a reliable performance, according to Simon Čimžar, CTO, Business Unit Broadband at S&T Iskratel. “The outstanding uplink capacities of our new OLTs are the fastest way to unlocking a greener future,” said Čimžar. Complying with the gren future is not hat easy, since t involves meeting the pernickety demands of the EU Code of Conduct on Energy Consumption of Broadband Equipment, which is fundamental in enabling operators to reduce energy costs and their impact on the environment.
“The new OLTs can support today’s technologies and tomorrow’s inventions,” said Čimžar, it allows for virtualszed operation on the same hardware which guarantees the return and safety of investment from operators.” The temperature range is accommodating too. Servers can function anywhere from minus 40 °C to +65 °C means that S&T Iskratel’s Lumia OLTs can run in the warmth of the Central Office and out in the cold in a street cabinet.
The new additions to the portfolio will be exclusively showcased at the FTTH Conference in Madrid, from 18th to 20th April 2023. S&T Iskratel’s experts will be on hand at stand G12 to provide further insight.