Our Telecoms ducting systems and FTTx microtubing systems can be used anywhere in the network from backbone to deep fibre applications. This can include metro loops, WAN, LAN, access networks and last mile connections right to the premises.
Our FTTx product range provides a wide range of solutions for next generation access networks.
Access networks may connect some of the following:
The network environment can be broadly split into:
The type of site will be a key factor in deciding the most appropriate network design and architecture. Types include:
The main influences for the infrastructure deployment methodology are:
The fibre deployment technology will determine CAPEX and OPEX, as well as the reliability of the network. These costs can be optimised by choosing the most appropriate active solution combined with the most appropriate infrastructure deployment methodology. These methods include:
In order to specify the interworking of passive and active infrastructure, it is important to make a clear distinction between the topologies used for the deployment of the fibres (the passive infrastructure) and the technologies used to transport data over the fibres (the active equipment).
The two most widely used topologies are point-to-multipoint, which is often combined with a passive optical network (PON) architecture, and point-to-point, typically using Ethernet transmission technologies.
Point-to-multipoint topologies with passive optical splitters in the field are deployed in order to be operated by one of the standardised PON technologies (GPON is today's frontrunner in Europe, while EPON has been massively deployed in Asia) using time-sharing protocols to control the access of multiple subscribers to the shared feeder fibre. Active Ethernet technology can also be used to control subscriber access in a point-to-multipoint topology – this requires placing Ethernet switches in the field.
Point-to-point topologies provide dedicated fibres between the POP and the subscriber. Each subscriber is directly connected by a dedicated fibre. Most existing point-to-point FTTH deployments use Ethernet, but this can be mixed with other transmission schemes for business applications (for example Fibre Channel, SDH/SONET). This topology can also include PON technologies by placing the passive optical splitters in the access node.