Nokia launches access node for smaller communities

Created April 18, 2023
Technologies and Products

Nokia has launched its second ‘pizza-box’ form OLT. The Quillion-powered Lightspan DF-32GM (pictured) extends Nokia’s OLT portfolio for multi-gig deployments in low density areas. The DF-32 is available immediately for global shipments to communication service providers and cable operators.

DF-32 will fit into Nokia’s existing multi-gig portfolio which ranges from the very small size unit, the DF-16, to the large MF-14 fit for massive delivery of 25G PON and beyond. The DF-32 access node is optimized for efficient high-capacity deployments in low density areas, coverage gaps and hotspots. It is designed for maximum deployment flexibility, both from a location and architecture point of view, which enables broadband providers to fine tune their unique deployment challenges and business cases for fibre deployments.

The Nokia-designed Quillion chip is at the heart of DF-32’s operation. Quillion means operators can deploy three PON technologies (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G PON) in a single solution, while achieving energy saving of up to 25% compared to merchant silicon powered solutions.

According to Omdia’s Fibre and Copper Access Equipment Forecast 2023-2028 report, investment in XGS-PON overtook GPON in 2022. Operators are extending multi-gig fibre networks beyond urban areas to reach consumers wherever they are including rural and low-density areas.

Emir Halilovic, research director at Global Data, said, “We are seeing increasing demand for small nodes as operators look to bridge coverage gaps in their multi-gig networks and branch out beyond residential into new services like industry 4.0 connectivity, 5G Xhaul and wholesale services. As such, they need more flexibility to suit local requirements. Nokia’s Lightspan DF-32 is perfectly suited for access network segments covering 1,000-2,000 users.”

Geert Heyninck, VP Broadband Networks at Nokia, said, “Operators need complete scale of solutions for any service and any deployment type. One size doesn’t fit all. We are seeing growing interest in small OLT solutions to go further with fiber: rural; other new areas; enterprises; cell site connectivity. Our goal is to bring these different form factors with future proof capacity, high reliability and SDN capabilities.”

For more information, visit www.nokia.com

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This article was written
by Peter Dykes

Peter Dykes is a independent telecoms and technology journalist who has over that last 30 years written for a wide range of B2B publications and companies. A former BT engineer, he specialises in networks and associated support systems. He is currently Editor of Optical Connections.