Digital networks integrator STL (Sterlite Technologies) has successfully completed a proof-of-concept (PoC) for its programmable FTTx (pFTTx) software solutions with Chunghwa Telecom’s open broadband access network in Taiwan.
The PoC collaboration demonstrated how India-based STL’s fully virtualised OLT software stack will enable Chunghwa to upgrade its Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) to XGS-PON (10 Gig Symmetric PON) — a fibre access technology for symmetric broadband speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
This establishes pFTTx as a fully cloud-native, disaggregated and open networking compliant solution for last-mile fixed access.
As Chunghwa Telecom looks to evolve FTTx, they are adopting a virtualised, disaggregated and open access technology. STL’s pFTTx virtual OLT (Optical Line Terminal) software stack enables Chunghwa to transform their FTTx network into a cloud native network architecture.
pFTTx leverages white box partner hardware to provide a feature rich solution. The trial further established connectivity with Chunghwa’s commercial network demonstrating use cases such as BNG (Broadband Network Gateway) integration and live IPTV server integration.
STL’s open source system allows Chunghwa Telecom to use devices and software from different providers, rather than being constrained by single vendor lock-ins.
“Virtualisation, disaggregation and openness, both in the wired and wireless domains, will shape the network landscape in the coming years, said Chris Rice, CEO of Access Solutions at STL.
“This successful Proof of Concept will go a long way in building and scaling open, disaggregated wired access networks, that will be critical in delivering 5G use cases to millions of customers,” said Rice.
