German Cable Operator KBW deploys Transmode network to support HDTV, and DOCSIS3.0-enabled high speed broadband services

Stockholm - Kabel BW, the Heidelberg based Carrier and Triple-Play provider, has significantly increased the capacity of its network by choosing technology from Transmode, a leading supplier of optical networking solutions. Following the installation of Transmode’s TM-3000 optical platform in over 21 cities, Kabel BW is able to offer over 99 percent of all householders who have cable in the Baden Württemberg region, services that include - HDTV, Video on Demand, Telephony and broadband internet connection.


Kabel BW’s primary network stretches over 72,000 km of coaxial cable and 10,000 km of optical-fiber, it connects 21 network centers across the whole region and ensures connectivity to every household across the state, even those outside the major cities. Due to high traffic flow there are complex network requirements, for all cable network operators, particularly those of scalability and management. The Transmode network carries and transports broadcast, multicast and point-to-point services and provides a complete Next Generation Network.


The Transmode TM-Series and the Intelligent WDM (iWDM™) technology has proven to be very well suited for cable networks. It ensures not only a high performance but also a high measure of flexibility and scalability. Multiplexers are used in the Kabel BW network that support 40 wavelengths from day one and can be increased to carry 80 wavelengths to match increasing demand without interruption. These wavelengths carry 10 Gbit/s services and Kabel BW’s STM-64 services. Continual ongoing availability of all services is ensured by redundant connections of all the network components. Despite the necessity for the add-drop multiplexers, no electro-optical regeneration was necessary, which clearly reduced both the complexity and the cost.


Due to the experience that Kabel BW gained during the building of the Transmode network in the northern service area, it was possible to build the new network in the south in less than a few months. After a long evaluation, Kabel BW made the decision to build the new network with Transmode and the local systems integrator NK Networks.


“Although we had a very good experience with Transmode previously, we decided to evaluate many different options,“ said Ludwig Modra, Project Director for Network & Technical Services at Kabel BW. “It became clear the TM-Series was the right solution because its modular architecture and flexible build incurred low costs and best met our needs. In addition we were convinced that the interoperability of the TM Series was approriate for the distribution of both TV and Video Services.“


A further criteria for the decision is the scalability and flexibility of the TM-Series which makes future proofing of the network design possible. Finally a qualified Integrator (NK Networks) was available for the project and they had previously already built a Transmode network. NK Networks operating under the brand name Axians was always on hand at all phases of the project, not only for the installation at all locations but was also responsible for the complete service and support of all components. As a leading systems integrator and partner for Carriers and service providers in Europe, Axians had already completed several optical network infrastructure projects with Transmode.


"Cable providers operate in a very competitive landscape which is shaped in great measure by innovation – both through technology and services.” said Björn Andersson, Vice President Sales at Transmode.” Through this new network deployment, Kabel BW has given itself an outstanding position for future growth. We are delighted to be a part of their success story. For us, the KBW network is another example of our own success in the Cable segment.”


Visit Transmode at the Anga Cable Show, Stand G56, from 4th to 6th May.



About Kabel BW

Kabel BW is Baden-Württemberg‘s fastest growing and most innovative Service provider for high speed Internet, Telephony and TV (Triple-play). With 2.3 million customers, Kabel BW is one of the largest Cable providers in Europe and serves every second home in the region of Baden-Württemberg. Kabel BW offers attractive packages with very competitive prices for Internet and Broadband (up to 100 MBit/s) as well as flat rate for telephony. Because of the large network upgrade, 99% (3.6 million) of all households in Baden-Württemberg are able to use the new “ clever cable“ offering. In the most modern cable network there is a total of 5 GBit/s (5000 MBit/s) per household available for Internet, Telephony and TV. Kabel BW customers can now receive both analog and digital up to 400 TV-Programs (even in HDTV) as well as 150 Radio channels.


About Axians

Axians is the brand of VINCI Energies for convergent and scalable network solutions for safe transmission of voice, data and video communications in Europe. In Germany Axians is represented by NK Networks & Services GmbH, a major systems integrator who has provided reliable IT networks for now 25 years.

The solution portfolio includes Optical Transmission, Service Infrastructure, Network Protection and Professional Services as well as Network Management and Application Acceleration for enterprise customers, carriers and service providers. In an international team of technical experts and consultants AXIANS established itself as the leading systems integration and service partner for large enterprises and service providers in the Central European Region. Companies across a wide range of industries are clients, including banks, insurance companies, utility companies, carriers, ISPs, mobiles, transportation companies, the public sector and universities. Among others Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich airports as well as the German parliament favour networks designed by AXIANS. More information about AXIANS at www.axians.com.


About Transmode

Transmode is a leading provider of optical networking solutions for transport of data, voice and video traffic, based on CWDM and DWDM technology (Coarse/Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing).

Transmode’s unique Intelligent WDM (iWDM™) approach has lead to widespread deployment of over 10000 systems in a customer base consisting of more than 250 fixed and mobile network operators, service providers, large enterprises and public institutions across Europe, the Americas and Asia.


Transmode’s comprehensive product portfolio and strong global organization enable our customers to grow the capacity and to improve service level of their regional, metro and metro access networks, on a cost-efficient basis without compromising on functionality.


For additional information about Transmode, please visit www.transmode.com.