Alcatel Unveils SMB PON Solution

Alcatel has added a new broadband PON-based optical network termination unit for small and medium businesses to its fiber-to-the-user portfolio.

The Alcatel 7340 FTTU Business Optical Network Termination (B-ONT) family supports video, voice and data services on what the company says is the first standards-based BPON solution in the industry. An ONT interconnects various customer-owned devices such as telephones, PCs and TVs to a network operator's optical fiber network.

The company launched its fiber-to-the-user solutions for very small businesses and residential users about a year ago, says Mark Klimek, senior director of business management for the company’s fiber-to-the-user program. That initial product includes an ONT that supports four POTS lines, a 10/100 Ethernet connection and a video port. The new B-ONT, meanwhile, has eight POTS lines, an 10/100 Ethernet connection, a video port and four DS1s to pick up legacy T1 traffic. “The video port is a differentiator for us because small businesses, whether it’s a car dealership or a doctor’s office, have offices and want video services,” he says. “Now these businesses have the same access to video as do residential customers.”

The Alcatel B-ONT, which uses many components and control techniques used in the company’s popular DSL products, goes into customer trials this week. General availability is slated for mid September.

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