ZTE and Germany's leading regional network operator NetCologne reached a strategic partnership in the field of access networks, using an innovative G.fast solution to achieve Gigabit access. In the world's first demonstration of G.fast@212 MHz being tested over a real network in Germany in May 2017, ZTE and NetCologne showcased the access rate profile of G.fast@212 MHz reaching up to 1.8 Gbps. The G.fast solution enables NetCologne's fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) -access network to enter the Gigabit era.
ZTE helped NetCologne with thorough investigation and assessment of its existing networks. NetCologne had about 35,000 FTTB sites, with fiber to end users' basements via VD2 DSLAM 17a/30a. NetCologne also had 1,400 FTTC sites connected to end users through VD2 DSLAM 17a, covering less densely populated areas. After the assessment, ZTE recommended that NetCologne should use the OLT+G.fast DPU solution to replace the existing DSLAM, which can not only achieve Gigabit access but also make full use of existing subscriber line cables and DPUs to reduce Capex and shorten the construction period.
In September 2015, NetCologne decided to adopt the OLT+G.fast DPU solution for reconstructing existing VD2 DSLAM and meeting the following requirements:To meet the need for replacing XDSL devices and reusing subscriber line cables, NetCologne adopted ZTE's customized G.fast solution based on actual scenarios. This solution has the following advantages:
● Structure customization: The tailor-made size of new devices allows NetCologne to replace its XDSL devices on the original sites and to reuse its existing cables and power supplies to reduce Capex.
● Energy saving: The design was optimized to meet the EU standard SR2 in PoE application scenarios.
NetCologne speaks highly of ZTE's tailor-made G.fast solution that can meet its needs for rapid deployment of G.fast@106 MHz at the present stage and support smooth evolution to G.fast@212 MHz. The solution was tested and accepted by NetCologne Lab in May 2016, and the test data showed that G.fast@212 MHz set a new record of 1.8 Gbps. NetCologne officially announced that ZTE was its exclusive supplier, and started a G.fast trial over the existing network in August 2016.
“The demand for ultrafast services is constantly growing and we intend to provide NetCologne customers with the best network infrastructure in Germany. With ZTE as a partner we are on the very forefront of G.fast technology and highspeed research,” said NetCologne’s CEO Timo von Lepel.In Q4 2017, NetCologne started to provide G.fast services, allowing users to enjoy high-speed internet access. NetCologne can flexibly adjust uplink and downlink bandwidths as required by customers. If customers subscribe to the new G.fast package, a technician only needs to replace related terminals through the door-to-door service. According to NetCologne's CEO, products with a bandwidth lower than 100 Mbps will no longer be available in the future. The G.fast access technology helped NetCologne rebuild its market leadership.
NetCologne will further expand its G.fast networks and provide gigabit access services for up to 400,000 households in the next few years. NetCologne will continue to adopt ZTE’s innovative technologies to build gigabit infrastructure in Germany.
[Keywords] NetCologne, G.fast access, Germany