As the era of massive FTTx deployments is approaching, how to efficiently manage exponentially increasing optical fibers in ODN is a hot topic in the industry. ITU-T SG15/L.64 standards have already recommended using two-dimensional bar codes and radio frequency identifications (RFIDs) for efficient fiber routing and device management. These two technologies, however, are not once-for-all solutions, as they are unable to automatically obtain the fiber routing information.
Huawei’s iODN solution uses the globally unique eID and the field engineering assistant software, iField. This innovative solution achieves automatic identification and management of fiber connections, intelligent indication of fiber connection operations, and intelligent management of optical splitters, while retaining the passiveness of ODN. With iODN, operators are able to automatically identify the target optical fiber and appropriately operate it, paving the way for efficient FTTH rollouts and significantly lowering the rollout and O&M costs.
In 2010, Huawei submitted the eID-based iODN proposal to the ITU-T SG15 working group. In 2011, this proposal will be discussed in meetings for further improvement, with the aim to help operators improve their O&M efficiency.
As of December 2010, Huawei’s ODN offerings have served world-leading operators, including British Telecom (BT), Etisalat, Nucleus Connect, Maxis, Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and Qatar Telecom (Qtel). Huawei will continue expediting the global FTTx development with its expertise in comprehensive end-to-end ODN delivery, including ODN planning and engineering.