The partnership will involve the application of software-defined networking (SDN) technology to fixed fibre access networks.
“For Orange, the evolution of our fixed access optical network represents a challenge and opportunity as we look to extend the range and reach of our networks,” said Christian Gacon, vice president of wireline networks & infrastructure at Orange.
“This work will ensure that Orange can maximize the fibre broadband opportunity, create new business models and deliver an enriched service experience for our customers. This development program underscores our commitment to being a leader in each segment of the network.”
Specifically, the project will focus on the following three goals. Firstly, to create a roadmap for Orange’s possible introduction of a software-defined management architecture.
Next to ensure network elements can integrate with third party management, control and/or orchestration platforms and with other network devices.
And lastly to secure conformity to Orange’s current and future engineering rules for GPON and XGS-PON architecture.
Ultimately the goal of the collaboration is to investigate, test and propose solutions that enable Orange to improve performance, shorten time-to-market for new services while reducing energy consumption in the network and reduce costs.
“Orange is committed to building a next-generation, software-defined access network that will serve as a foundation for the next wave of innovative residential and commercial business services,” said Dr Eduard Scheiterer, senior vice president of research & development at Adtran.
“Adtran shares Orange’s commitment to innovation, service quality and building networks the way they should be built. We are helping operators across the world, like Orange, create the open, scalable and flexible network foundations that will support growth for the next several decades.”
