How FTTH Expansion Is Making Fast Progress
BENGALURU, India/WETZIKON, Switzerland: Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is now part of the basic supply. This proved to be true in 2020, the year of the pandemic. This is something pointed out by Reichle & De-Massari (R&M), the globally active developer and provider of cabling systems for high-quality network infrastructures, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland. Without fast and stable Internet, social and economic life in many places would have collapsed during the pandemic. Crisis-resistant connectivity and bandwidth are just as much a part of the basic supply as tap water and electricity.
In the magazine, R&M reports on international experiences with the required accelerated expansion of FTTH networks. The Belgian network operator Proximus was successful with a careful evaluation of distribution technology. Its goal was to quickly accommodate as many FO connections as possible in both small and older spaces. The distributors should be easy to operate. The PRIME-ODF rack and a 48-port fiber optic panel from R&M fulfilled the expectations.
In the city of Halle (Westphalia), in northwestern Germany, the challenge in 2020 was also to build an extensive FTTH network as quickly as possible. Turnkey POP stations from R&M help to minimize assembly work in the field and save time.
Middle East on the FTTH front
Frank Eggmann, Swiss Consul General in Dubai, reports in the magazine on how the Middle East is playing a leading role in the rapid expansion of FTTH thanks to its high adaptability. Nabil Khalil, Executive Vice President of R&M META, spoke to him about the opportunities in the Middle East. He confirms: The region is a powerhouse of innovation.
A fast and cost effective method for FTTH expansion in rural areas is aerial deployment. It has both advantages and disadvantages. The specialist magazine explains what network operators should pay attention to on long cabling links in order to be able to guarantee all customers the fastest possible Internet.
5G opens up opportunities for new business models
The expansion of 5G networks is just as topical as FTTH. This is what R&M Market Manager Thomas Ritz looks at in the Focus article. He takes a look behind the 5G antennas and describes the role of new business models and partnerships in this market and how they can contribute to the efficient construction and operation of the urgently needed antenna and fiber optic infrastructures. R&M recommends flexible partnerships. Neutral hosts, wireless mast operators, telecom, access and FTTH providers, edge data centers, specialized service providers, media, railways and utilities can all form 5G ecosystems. In addition, market partners should draw on broad expertise, ranging from planning and engineering to logistics and staff training.
In addition to a series of case studies, CONNECTIONS No. 60 reports on current technological issues in network technology. R&M provides data center operators with the latest knowledge on high density fiber optic connectivity for 400 Gigabit Ethernet. For the first time, R&M is presenting a complete Single Pair Ethernet system. It supports digital ceiling, IP-supported building automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).
