Nice, 26 June 2018: Optical transceiver specialist ProLabs today addressed how evolving architectures are key for 5G rollout at Next Generation Optical Networking 2018 (NGON) in Nice.
Speaking on the opening day of NGON, Anthony Clarkson, Technologist at ProLabs, recommended three simple steps that should not be ignored by operators when accommodating the fifth-generation mobile network.
“The entire network needs to evolve to support the massive bandwidth growth,” he said. “A successful rollout of NGPON2, a core network evolution to 100G, and a significant Wireless Access Network upgrade are all necessary to accommodate the big bandwidth boost that the 5G hype will cause.”
“5G is driving a network evolution of a wireline and wireless services coexistence on one single network. Service providers will need to take an all-of-the-above approach that includes next generation and legacy PON services, as well as a greater dependence on WDM technologies to handle exponential growth of new network elements driven by 5G.”
He continued: “Next generation and legacy PON services must evolve over time for an effective and positive rollout. By coexisting with previous architectures such as GPON or EPON, the deployment of new optical networks will be much easier.”
On the network evolution to 100G, ProLabs is enabling the smooth rollout for operators to power their networks to the next level, offering longer reach 100G to utilise existing fibre networks to increase data throughput speeds. ProLabs offers a range of 100G modules from CFP to the latest QSFP28 designs, including extending distance reach with 100G long reach in an efficient QSFP28 package and a green solution with 30% less power consumption.
Americas Product Manager at ProLabs, Ray Hagen, explained how to take advantage of the Wireless Access Network upgrade: “Through the use of passive WDM networking, service providers have the tools to leverage existing fibre and PON infrastructure for multiple service offerings, including residential, commercial and wireless backhaul.”
ProLabs WDM transceivers are the ideal solution to enable greater flexibility from fibre infrastructures as they look to accommodate exponential growth. Due to their wavelength stabilising technology, the new range of transceivers can endure temperatures as low as -40°C to as high as +85°C which enable them to perform even in the most demanding environments.
Along with backhaul, ProLabs also spoke on planning for 5G mobile fronthaul of a Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN). By using common public radio interface (CPRI) it replaces the need for restrictive copper and coax cabling by enabling a flexible fibre connection between radio transceivers and base stations, allowing a connection that reaches higher coverage and accommodates for the future of mobile.
ProLabs range builds upon its understanding of the challenges service providers face in integrating new technologies over existing fibre infrastructure, and NGON will also see ProLabs showcase its range of next-generation PON transceivers and passive coexistence elements which offer new choices for connectivity to service providers.
“NGON is a perfect fit for ProLabs, the topic of the conference and expected attendees make this a great place for us to showcase our technology. We attended in 2017 and made some great contacts with new and existing customers, and we look forward to doing even better this year,” concluded Anthony.
Anthony Clarkson will expand on network evolution on Day 3 of the show (28th June) at 12:40pm when he delivers a speech on “PON Evolution and the Core Network Upgrade.”
At Booth 11 at NGON, ProLabs is showcasing its complete connectivity solutions portfolio, including NGPON2, WDM and 100G products.