Alcatel-Lucent launches new functionality on Fiber-to-the-Node platform

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced its latest broadband access innovations with the introduction of Release 3.4 of its market-leading 7330 ISAM Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) platform for the North American market. Among the major enhancements are a 48-port VDSL2 line card with bonding and a POTS line termination card. These innovations allow service providers to increase their available bandwidth for triple play services and to offer a path to next generation voice service migration.

Utilizing bonding, two copper pairs logically combined into one, the new 48 port VDSL2 line card enables service providers who deploy VDSL to nearly double their bandwidth thereby increasing the effective reach on existing copper plant, ultimately expanding subscriber base and revenues. Alcatel-Lucent’s new VDSL2 card line card also offers a density, which is especially important in space-constrained cabinets.

With the clear trend for converged all-IP infrastructures, Release 3.4 adds support for POTS termination allowing service providers to terminate TDM-based services into voice-over-IP (VOIP), thus maximizing network efficiency while leveraging centralized softswitch functionality. The POTs termination card allows service providers to cap their investment in Class 5 switches and to place new subscribers on SIP-based softswitches without having to replace the subscribers’ traditional phones.

“By offering full multi-service support (data, voice, video, business services) on existing copper infrastructures, the Alcatel-Lucent 7330 ISAM FTTN 3.4 helps service providers compete in an ever changing and highly competitive services arena,” added Mike Dobbs, senior vice-president of Alcatel-Lucent’s North American access activities. “Our product is unique in incorporating the latest DSL technology, line diagnostics, rich IP features and robust management capabilities.”

As well as innovative broadband access products, Alcatel-Lucent extends its leadership in DSL with advanced dynamic DSL line diagnostics and management solutions through its Alcatel-Lucent 5530 Network Analyzer. It also has dedicated network-consulting professionals who can support service providers throughout the entire lifecycle from design through to the deployment of new revenue generating services.

Alcatel-Lucent remains the uncontested global market leader in broadband access with more than 126 million DSL lines shipped to date. More than 135 customers have adopted the ISAM product family globally – including 80% of the top 20 DSL operators worldwide. Alcatel-Lucent is also engaged in more than 60 FTTx projects around the world, more than 30 of which are with GPON.