Fiber Network Convergence to Deliver Wider Range of Services
May 09, 2016
When a number of services are combined within single access networks, it is referred to as fiber network convergence. This means that multiple or all types of communication services are delivered through a single pipe. A fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network has for example a wide footprint that is ideal to support fast-growing mobile apps including Centralized-RAN front-haul, WiFi and small cell backhauls, and distributed antenna systems (DAS). Service providers would be able to enter new markets, offer innovative services, adopt new business models and deliver a wider range of services through fiber network convergence.
Fiber network convergence is mainly driven by user demand, a service provider's capabilities and enabling technologies being developed. Huge service providers have wireless and wireline operations, so it makes business sense to converge these onto one network, thereby maximizing the utilization of assets. There have been many cases where FTTH networks were installed, only for the same street to be dug up a few months later to lay fiber for cell sites. This is both disruptive and wasteful. Network convergence enables one build to be utilized for several service delivery platforms.
For smaller municipalities, utilities and telcos with limited budgets, adding revenue streams, selling to multiple market segments and mitigating the risks in the business are often critical aspects of network convergence. One city may have simultaneous projects for high-speed internet in residential areas, WiFi in the city center, security cameras and traffic lights, and fiber for government offices and schools. By converging these onto one fiber network, these projects now have greater economies of scale, more funding sources and more stakeholders.
The FTTH networks will have spare capacity that could can be sold as wavelength services or "virtual dark fiber" that would cost less, yet can be deployed faster than laying fiber point-to-point. Many FTTH networks only use two, or at most three wavelengths for video overlay, GPON upstream and Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) downstream. The huge C/DWDM spectrum of wavelengths are unused, thus offering a path for evolution and growth.
The same fiber strand can be used by service providers while residential GPON and cell site traffic are kept on different wavelengths. Passive C/DWDM modules are used at both sides of the fiber to separate or combine the different wavelengths. An alternatively would be to implement the connectivity at the closures and hubs to route the traffic appropriately, while keeping traffic on separate fiber strands.
Using dark fiber for wireless applications is often a costly and long process. As cell densification is accelerating rapidly and with 5G in the near future, fiber availability could become a bottleneck. Demand for fiber-based front-haul and backhaul will keep on increasing. This aspect of network convergence needs greater foresight and collaboration.
Have comments? Please share them below.
Share this post
4 comments
I am baffled by how fiber network convergence works, but I think I understand that it makes it easier and more efficient to deliver services. That’s what progress is all about and as people demand more bandwidth for their homes and business operations, the network convergence can help provide it.
Good job. This blog is helpful for someone looking for network convergence examples and an overall idea of what converged network services are. With the constant demand for bandwidth, I imagine people are ready to reap all the converged network benefits they can. I imagine converged network service providers are going to have the advantage over service providers who aren’t on board with the latest technology. Like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages with converged networks, but this blog makes it clear the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Fiber Network Convergence sounds like the latest in the next big thing. I’m not being sarcastic, but pointing out the explosion in cell phone technology, particularly in improving our abilities to make calls, increase download speeds, and avoid the dreaded dropped calls. I’ve heard of things like cell phone boosters and DAS installations to strengthen cell phone signals. This sounds interesting in how it ties in within the framework, particularly DAS installations.
Are there any significant risks involved with fiber network convergence? Are there backups in place in the event something goes wrong? Fiber network convergence has its advantages, but I’m pondering what disadvantages it might have. For example, I know DAS installations are advantageous in some respects compared to using cell phone boosters (and vice versa). Just playing curious cat.