AFC Introduces its FiberDirect FTTP Solution

AFC introduced its Full Service Access Network (FSAN) compliant B-PON solution based on its widely-deployed AccessMAX multiservice access platform. AFC's FiberDirect rollout is aimed squarely at the Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) request for proposal (RVP) issued recently by Verizon, SBC Communications and BellSouth. It also targets the many independent operating companies (IOCs), such as ALLTEL, Century, Frontier and others, that have deployed the AFC AccessMAX. AFC has an installed base of more than 100,000 AccessMAX shelves that are upgradeable for FTTP.


AFC's solution is based on a passive optical networking (PON) plug-in card that transforms the AccessMAX platforms into an optical line terminal (OLT). The implementation, which is based on the ITU-T G.983 standard, supports a 32:1 PON split with a 20 km reach. The network supplies 622 Mbps downstream and 155 Mbps upstream. The OLT could be deployed either in the central office or in a remote terminal. AFC said a unique architectural element of its FTTP solution is that the AccessMAX integrates voice gateway functionality, enabling packetized voice traffic to be handed off from the same platform to a variety of voice interfaces, including GR-303/V5.2, TR-08/V5.1, and TR-57. This provides interoperability with a number of Class 5 switches, including the Lucent 5ESS and GTD-5, Nortel's DMS family, and Siemens' EWSD. AFC will also support packetized voice handoffs to softswitches. Management of the PON is supported by Panorama, AFC's existing network management system. The platform is OSMINE compliant.


At the subscriber end, AFC is introducing a FiberDirect optical node terminal (ONT) featuring a life-line voice port, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, and a connection for overlay video services that would run on the 1550nm wavelength. AFC's ONT will have a local power supply as well as an external, 8-hour battery back-up that could be located inside the customer's home or garage.


AFC is working with Harmonic Lightwave to develop the broadcast wavelength video overlay solution. AFC will also support an IPTV video solution using up to 30 Mbps of bandwidth to each subscriber.
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