NetComm Introduces Reverse Powered Gfast DPU Portfolio

SYDNEY — NetComm, a global developer of solutions that bridge the gap between fiber and the home, device or machine, announced an expansion to its Distribution Point Unit (DPU) portfolio, with new features that provide network operators the opportunity to connect millions more premises more cost effectively to ultra-fast broadband.

NetComm’s new range of DPUs will feature 4-port, 8-port and 16-port models that will enable network operators to service more premises from a single DPU – this will be particularly useful in delivering services to previously problematic multi-dwelling units (MDUs).

Street Fiber Not Reaching the Home
The on-ground reality is that broadband network operators have deployed a substantial amount of fiber over the last decade with around 33 percent of homes in Europe now passed by fiber running down their streets. However, the big challenge for operators is connecting that street fiber to individual premises due to the cost and complexity of delivering fiber all the way into each premises. As a result, so far only 14 percent of total European premises are actually physically connected to a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. This means that the vast majority of premises – even those passed by fiber - are still not capable of receiving ultra-fast broadband – leaving a huge opportunity for network operators.

Powering Gfast Equipment
The key for network operators is being able to connect their street fiber with each individual premises efficiently – and this is where the NetComm Reverse Powered Gfast DPU is now offering even better options for network operators. “Gfast technology has been around for a while but operators are having problems delivering the technology in real world environments,” said Els Baert, director of marketing and communications at NetComm. “The biggest issue has been in providing power to new Gfast equipment deployed in the field but by using our new Reverse Powering technology in our DPU, NetComm has developed a solution that can easily be installed and end-user activated, reducing the cost for operators significantly.”

The NetComm DPU is powered using a Reverse Power Unit (RPU), which can be combined with the modem to make an NTD (Network Termination Device).

Delivering Ultra-fast Speeds to MDUs
Network operators are facing a significant challenge in delivering ultra-fast speeds to MDUs with existing VDSL services capable of only delivering 100 Mbps only leaving operators the option of running new fiber to each premises to upgrade speeds. “MDUs are posing a real problem for operators when they are rolling out an FTTH network,” Baert said. “With NetComm now offering DPU ranging from 4-port to 16-port operators have new options for serving MDUs – and we plan to offer them even greater flexibility in the future with more products in development. At NetComm we understand that every network is different and therefore we work closely with our customers to ensure the most optimal configuration for their network as well as an optimized installation process to reduce unnecessary truck rolls.”

In August last year, NetComm and Openreach (a UK digital infrastructure provider) successfully completed a world first demonstration with a Reverse Powered Gfast 212MHz profile DPU that achieved gigabit speeds. NetComm’s 4-port DPUs are currently deployed in the NBN Co. fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) network, and the 8- and 16-port versions will be introduced early next year.

Persistent Management Agent Aggregator (PMAA)
Additional to the new DPU variants, NetComm provides the Persistent Management Agent Aggregator (PMAA) to support the roll-out of DPU enabled services into the network. The commercial availability of the NetComm PMAA provides seamless integration of DPUs into network management systems and control over these devices as a fully integrated component of the existing network.