News Release
FONEX announces successful overlay test of P2P services over existing SIRO FTTH network
Montreal, April 25, 2022
FONEX has successfully tested 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps dedicated DWDM connections over PON infrastructure. Using FONEX’ LambdaGainTM passive WDM technology, utilising SIRO’s network, the pilot project demonstrated dedicated point-to-point connections over an existing FTTH network.
SIRO is an Irish joint venture between ESB and Vodafone which is building the country’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network across 154 towns and cities. FONEX, today announced that it has successfully completed testing a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) overlay on a fibre-optic PON network, as part of a pilot test project with SIRO.
Overlaying WDM wavelengths for point-to-point services on its GPON network provides SIRO with a future option for offering dedicated broadband services to business clients using the same PON infrastructure used for residential services.
With this successful demonstration of WDM Overlay capability, the Vodafone group demonstrates its technology leadership in developing cost-effective business solutions that leverage its vast fiber network footprint.
To implement the WDM Overlay network, SIRO selected the LambdaGainTM WDM & PON Hybrid Mux/Demux from FONEX Data Systems Inc., an advanced fiber-optic solutions company with more than 30 years’ experience supporting leading operators in Europe and North America.
“WDM Overlay is a key technology to enable enterprise services over our passive optical network, thereby enabling more efficient utilisation of the existing fibre plant. It offers the potential for network operators to expand the range of services they can provide to their customers.” said Mark McNeela, SIRO’s Head of Active Plan and Design.
“FONEX has been a crucial partner for this pilot project, as they share our ideals of constant innovation and thinking outside the box and developed custom solutions to address the specific challenges of our network”
Lowering the cost of dedicated broadband links
“Utilising infrastructure that is already in place is the most important advantage of WDM Overlay. This enables, operators such as SIRO, to offer quality dedicated services to its enterprise clients quickly and at an attractive price.” said Fernando Donoso, FONEX Product Line Manager.
The project tested and successfully proved that potential for operators, like SIRO, to offer its business clients direct, non-shared, 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps broadband connections at an accessible price with quicker delivery. This solution can also allow operators to increase speeds and number of connections in the future by adding more wavelengths.
“Through this project, Vodafone Group, with our partner SIRO, has shown its’ continued commitment to supporting innovative technology solutions and in driving greater convergence between mobile and fixed networks,” said Gavin Young, head of the Vodafone Technology Fixed Access Centre of Excellence.
ABOUT SIRO
SIRO, a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, is rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network to homes and businesses across Ireland. SIRO’s unique network is available on a wholesale basis to all broadband service providers in the country and addresses the digital divide between towns and cities. The company is committed to setting new standards in customer service, driving innovation and developing new products and services for the broadband market in Ireland.
In 2021, SIRO launched Ireland’s first 2 Gigabit fibre broadband service for residential customers.
ABOUT FONEX
FONEX data systems inc. and its European affiliate FONEX SAS, is a provider of innovative and disruptive optical network infrastructure solutions that address the concerns and challenges of service providers. A carrier-grade portfolio of solutions in combination with FONEX’s technical in-house expertise has established FONEX as a trusted resource for telecom network solutions that deliver business, operational and technical benefits to North American and European service provider customers. For more information visit fonex.com.
ABOUT VODAFONE
Vodafone Group Plc is a British multinational telecommunications company that predominantly operates services in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania.
As of November 2020, Vodafone owns and operates networks in 22 countries, with partner networks in 48 further countries. Its Vodafone Global Enterprise division provides telecommunications and IT services to corporate clients in 150 countries.