Uni NGA: Building High-Value Broadband Networks

Video services are driving the exponential growth of bandwidth consumption. Consequently, M2M and cloud computing are being advanced in order to accelerate the development of broadband networks. Because of the ever-growing broadband user base and higher broadband ARPU, fixed broadband networks have become very valuable to operators and are a central part of their strategic plans.

Although operators are rapidly increasing their network bandwidth, the increase in broadband ARPU is far slower than that of bandwidth. To address this problem, operators need to change their broadband pipe operation mode and extend value from user terminals to service clouds.

ZTE is focused on network planning, operation, and energy conservation. Its unified next-generation access (Uni NGA) solution provides fast broadband connection, fixed mobile convergence, easy O&M, and green communications. This solution helps operators build high-value broadband networks based on a terminal-pipe-cloud architecture. 

Fast Broadband Connection

Uni NGA is designed to deliver bandwidth-intensive video services such as HDTV and 3DTV. It has a future-proof unified access platform that allows for full-service access and coverage in all scenarios. Operators can choose the most appropriate FTTx construction mode for specific scenarios.

Uni NGA uses xPON for FTTH access and can be used to plan for 20Mbps bandwidth in the short term. It also allows for evolution to 10G PON—which can reach a bandwidth of 100Mbps in the mid to long term― and can even evolve to WDM PON to boost bandwidth to 1Gbps. 

Through flexible networking combined with WiFi coverage, Uni NGA overcomes difficult wiring issues in FTTH deployment and enables seamless broadband coverage. It also enables fast coverage using PON-based FTTB (LAN/DSL). This is suitable for the high-speed broadband needs of mid and high-end users as well as the fast service access needs of low and medium-end users.

In multiservice access, users care about service experience. Uni NGA adopts a hierarchical, multilevel queuing and scheduling mechanism along with intelligent traffic classification to guarantee end-to-end QoS. User security is fully protected by complete access authentication, service isolation, authority control, and end-to-end network protection.

Fixed Mobile Convergence

The rapid development of mobile Internet has led to a growing demand for bandwidth in 3G networks. 3G networks using traditional bearing modes no longer satisfy bandwidth growth while reducing TCO. ZTE’s Uni NGA unified access platform addresses bandwidth bottleneck using xPON-based mobile backhaul. It also diverts 3G traffic in hotspot areas through xPON + WLAN, meeting the growth needs of mobile Internet.

Mobile backhaul over xPON is suited to different scenarios. xPON-based clock synchronization and transfer mechanisms meet the access requirements of traditional TDM base stations  as well as IP base stations. High bandwidth, wide coverage, carrier-class protection, base station backhaul, and unified broadband access in ZTE’s Uni NGA allow for full resource utilization, fast network deployment, TCO reduction, and fixed-mobile convergence.

The xPON+WLAN access mode diverts 3G traffic. WLAN and 3G networks supplement each other. In hotspot areas, faster WLAN access alleviates 3G traffic pressure. Operators make full use of fixed-line network resources to offer low-cost mobile broadband services while allowing users to enjoy high-bandwidth mobile services in any location.

Easy O&M

Uni NGA focuses on the manageability and operability of network terminals, end-to-end automatic service activation, and all-round service assurance so that broadband networks can be easily operated and maintained.

Standard northbound interfaces are designed to automatically configure and provide services. Flexible logical ID authentication enables plug and play, on-site zero touch deployment, and easy replacement of ONU equipment. End-to-end automatic service activation greatly simplifies equipment installation and significantly boosts activation efficiency.

An all-round broadband service assurance system guarantees service operation. Fiber/copper integration faults, end-to-end faults triggered by multiple scenarios, and network failures can be quickly located and diagnosed. Accurate early warnings allow operators to determine changes in network status and to take measures to prevent network failure. Service statistics and analyses also help operators determine service usage so they can propose network improvements and develop service promotion policies for end users.

Green Communications

Uni NGA is designed to help operators build green, low-TCO networks in terms of technology, equipment, and network. It uses innovative energy-saving technologies such as PON, DSL, POTS, LAN and WiFi for access applications.

Its high-density port design, low power consuming chips, and SOC chips considerably reduce power consumption in each port. Uni NGA has a unified access platform for flexible insertion of EPON, GPON, and 10G EPON cards. This reduces overall system power consumption. A no-fan or adjustable-speed fan is incorporated into the design as well as high-efficiency power conversion and passive cooling in order to significantly lower system energy consumption. 

Uni NGA has a flat, integrated, unified access platform so that network architecture is simplified and network construction costs are reduced. It uses 10G PON for smooth evolution to high-bandwidth networks and a dual-stack mode for gradual transition to IPv6. This unified, future-proof network architecture reduces TCO and helps in the construction of low-carbon green networks.

ZTE’s Uni NGA solution integrates mobile backhaul and WLAN, allows for automatic end-to-end service activation and easy service assurance, and has energy-saving and emissions reduction features. This helps operators build low-TCO, high-value broadband networks.