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VIP Voices

Tiscali:Consolidating a Level Playing

Field in the Telecom Market

Unitel: Delivering Advanced Communication

Technologies to All Laotians

1G to the Home: Vision and Initiation

Tech Forum

VOL. 16 ● NO. 5 ● ISSUE 154OCT 2014

Special Topic: Broadband Access

FTTM Enables Rapid and Flexible LTE Deployment

Andrea Podda, CTO of Tiscali

CONTENTS07

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ZTE TECHNOLOGIES OCT 2014

07

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Tiscali: Consolidating a Level Playing Field in the Telecom Market

Reporter: Zhu Yiwen

Unitel: Delivering Advanced Communication Technologies to All Laotians

Reporters: Zhu Tao and Zhang Zhe

VIP Voices

1G to the Home: Vision and InitiationBy Heng Yunjun14

Tech Forum

FTTM Enables Rapid and Flexible LTE Deployment

By Qin Yewen

vFTTH Enables a Unified FTTx ManagementBy Zhang Haijun

U-Cable: A Big Leap for Cable OperatorsBy Wang Xinsheng

FTTdp: Tailored to Operator NeedsBy Shi Jie

17202325

Special Topic: Broadband Access

Tiscali is an Italian telecom company founded in 1998 in Sardinia. After the liberalization of the telecom market in Italy, Tiscali became one of the main alternative operators in Europe. Tiscali sees itself as an independent telecom operator, and this characteristic has contributed greatly to its success. What makes Tiscali such a strong player? Where are the growth opportunities for Tiscali today? Reporter Zhu Yiwen interviewed Andrea Podda, CTO of Tiscali.

Tiscali: Consolidating a Level Playing Field in the Telecom Market

1 ZTE TECHNOLOGIES OCT 2014

ZTE TECHNOLOGIES

Editorial BoardChairman: Zhao Xianming Vice Chairmen: Chen Jane, Xu Huijun, Zhu JinyunMembers: Bai Yanmin, Cui Li, Feng Haizhou, Heng Yunjun, Huang Liqing, Huang Xinming, Jiang Hua, Li Aijun, Li Guangyong, Lin Rong, Li Weipu, Lu Ping, Lu Wei, Lv Abin, Sun Zhenge, Wang Xiaoming, Wang Xiyu, Xin Shengli, Xu Ming, Yang Zhaojiang, Ye Ce, Yu Yifang, Zhang Shizhuang

Sponsor: ZTE CorporationEdited By Shenzhen Editorial Office, Strategy Planning DepartmentEditor-in-Chief: Sun ZhengeDeputy Editor-in-Chief: Huang XinmingEditorial Director: Liu YangExecutive Editor-in-Chief: Yue LihuaEditor: Zhang YingCirculation Manager: Wang Pingping

Editorial OfficeAddress: NO. 55, Hi-tech Road South, Shenzhen, P.R.ChinaPostcode: 518075Tel: +86-755-26775211Fax: +86-755-26775217Website: wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/about/publicationsEmail: [email protected]

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27 China Mobile: Building a National Backbone Transport Network in Western China

By Alateng Buhe

Eight-Antenna LTE FDD System of Xuzhou TelecomBy Wang Bin and Li Qianghua

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Success Stories

Solutions

Press Clipping

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ZXTOP 510: A Complete Solution for Intelligent Network Planning and Design

By Li Fei

ZTE’s New-Generation OTN SolutionsBy Zhu Xuetao

ZTE Is the Fastest Growing of the World’s Top Three LTE SuppliersSource: lteconference.wordpress.com

A technical magazine that keeps up with the latest industry trends, communicates leading technologies and solutions, and shares stories of our customer success

OCT 2014 ZTE TECHNOLOGIES 2

TE NewsZ

ZTE to Sustain Triple-Digit Profit Growth in Nine-Month Forecast

20 August 2014, Shenzhen ― ZTE forecast that net profit will more than triple in the first nine months as the strong momentum in the company’s 4G LTE business is sustained.

Net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company will be between RMB 1.7 billion and RMB 1.9 billion in the first nine months, an increase of between 208.2% to 244.5% from a year earlier, according to guidance released by the company today. ZTE also reported today that first-half net profit increased 263.9% to RMB 1.13 billion. Six-month basic earnings per share was RMB 0.33, while revenue increased to RMB 37.7 billion.

The latest forecast by ZTE reflected st reng th in revenue f rom network contracts and ongoing improvements to contract prof itability in the f irst nine months, supported by continued investments by customers in 4G networks in China. The company expects to post a year-on-year increase in revenue in the first nine months, as ZTE reaps returns on its investment in the development of key strategic products such as network routers and chipsets. The company also expects gains from more effective foreign exchange management.

During the first half of 2014, ZTE repor ted rapid growth in operating revenue from carrier networks in China as the company played a leading role in supporting massive constructions of 4G networks. Gross profit margin improved substantially as the company adhered to its strategy to focus on servicing network contracts with higher profitability. ZTE posted positive operating cash f low in

the first six months, for the first time in the past ten years. Operating revenue from handset terminals in the domestic market fell in the first six months.

Geographical DistributionIn the first six months, ZTE reported

operating revenue of RMB 19.26 billion from the domestic market, accounting for 51.1% of the Group’s overall operating revenue. Leveraging oppor tunit ies presented by the large-scale deployment of 4G networks, the Group committed t o ef for t s t o develop busi ness i n emerging new sectors such as the Mobile Internet and Cloud Computing under its M-ICT Strategy. Innovative solutions were launched with enhanced in-house capabilities, while strategic cooperation with carriers was conducted in a practical manner to maintain the Group’s dominant position and increase its market shares, laying the foundations for sustainable long-term development.

ZTE reported operating revenue of RMB 18.44 billion from the international market, accounting for 48.9% of the Group’s overall operating revenue. In adherence to the strategy of focusing on major populous nations and mainstream global car r iers , the Group fu r ther optimized its market profile to achieve stable operations and quality growth.

Distribution by ProductsIn the first six months, the Group

reported operating revenue of RMB21.84 billion for carrier networks. Operating revenue for handset terminals amounted to RMB 10.41 billion. Operating revenue

for telecom software systems, services and other products amounted to RMB 5.46 billion.

In connection with wireless products, ongoing innovation and enhancement in product competitiveness provided the d r iv i ng force beh i nd g row th . For example, the Group’s innovative Cloud Radio solution has boosted sales of 4G products in the domestic and international markets, especially in China, where the Group continued to assume a leading position in 4G product tenders, with effective growth in market shares. In the traditional 2G/3G markets, stable growth was achieved as the Group continued to optimize its market profile. In anticipation of future developments in wireless communications, the Group issued a white paper on 5G technologies and designated the development of 5G technologies as a strategic project.

In connection with wireline and optical communications products, the Group maintained its technological edge and ability to innovate products in close tandem with the development trend of the broadband market. In connection with cloud computing and ICT products, t he G roup a l so ma de s ig n i f ica nt breakthroughs in cloud computing/big data and data center products.

ZTE mobile devices was established as a standalone operation in the group, focused on the shift to a more consumer-oriented and internet-driven approach. Resources are mainly committed to the creation of premium handsets, applications and software in a bid to enhance the Group’s product competitiveness and


TE NewsZ

user experience. During the first half of 2014, the Group launched a variety of premium handset models targeted at different consumer groups. The Group’s brand recognition among consumers has been improved following vigorous efforts to develop new sales channels such as e-commerce platforms.

Technology InnovationsCreating value for customers has

always represented a core principle of the Group. We are committed to value creation for mutual development with our customers through innovations in technologies and products, on the basis of a profound understanding of customer requirements and expectations. At the beginning of 2014, the Group announced the M-ICT strategy, with the aim of becoming an enabler in the M-ICT era that facilitates the creation of value through information and shifts from customer focus to user focus. In terms of product strategy, the Group was focused on broadband-based 4G products, including wireless, wireline, terminal and broadband businesses. Government and corporate networks and services, a sector holding out enormous market potential, also became one of our focuses for development. We have also established the “CGO Laboratory” as an engine and incubator for future innovations to develop new businesses and sectors.

The Group maintains an annual R&D budget equivalent to approximately 10% of its sales revenue. The Group has

established 18 R&D centers in China, the United States, Sweden, France and other regions, as well as more than 10 joint innovation centers in association with leading carriers to ensure success in the market through better assessment of market demand and customer experience.

As at 30 June 2014, the Group held patent assets of over 53,000 items, including granted patents of over 17,000 items and PCT international patent applications for over 15,000 items. With memberships at more than 70 international standardizat ion organizat ions and forums, convenorships and presenter roles at major international standardization organizations taken up by over 30 experts from the Group, the presentation of over 28,000 research papers in aggregate and editorships and authorships for more than 200 international standards, the Group continued to foster its leading edge in technologies and patents for key products and technologies, ensuring ongoing enhancement in its ability to counter patent risks.

In the first six months of 2014, the Group undertook leading roles in the R&D and industr ialization of more than 10 projects including the National 863 Project, Electronic Development Foundation, Cloud Computing Project, Nor th Star Project and Guangdong Technology Program.

OutlookLooking to the second half of 2014,

oppor tunities as well as challenges

will abound in the traditional telecom industry, as traditional telecom sectors and emerging internet sectors continue to evolve with innovative forces rapidly overhauling traditional enterprises and business models. In connection with carrier networks, the telecom industry will welcome a new investment cycle with large-scale deployment of 4G networks around the world, especially the issue of 4G licenses in China and the approval of the trial operation of TD-LTE/LTE FDD hybrid networking. However, carriers must address the issue of “dumb pipe” or “dumb information” as they become fully engaged in 4G operations, and business opportunities will abound for those who are able to create value out of information. In the government and corporate service sectors, the in-depth amalgamation of mobile internet and traditional industries, the information revolution triggered by emerging technologies such as the internet of things, cloud computing and big data, as well as the increasingly heightened issue of information security will also present market opportunities. In connection with handset terminals, the next-generation smart terminals will be more intelligent and f lexible with more integrated features. There is a trend to develop the smart terminal into a wearable device, as innovation and the fulfillment of consumer needs becomes a crucial factor.

To address the opportunities and challenges, the Group will strategically integrate and focus its resources during the second half of 2014 in adherence to its core business principle of “Innovation and Intensification.” We will continue to focus on carriers’ network products and strengthen the vertical integration of our public sector and enterprise ICT business and handset business, striving to generate increased returns.


TE NewsZ

ZTE Partners with Blue Jeans Network to Enhance Video Collaboration Services Products

ZTE Receives Frost & Sullivan Technology Leadership Award in Africa for Its Green Power Solutions

25 August 2014, Shenzhen ― ZTE has won a wireless project contract from COSMOTE Romania, the largest multinational mobile operator in the Balkans, to t ransform its existing 2G/3G network and build a new LTE network in southern Romania.

The deal is expected to require construction of more than 3,000 base stations, reinforcing ZTE’s leading place in the European LTE market.

Based i n G reece , COSMOT E Group has its major operations in South Eastern European countries, including Greece, Albania and Romania. Deutsche Telekom is the largest of its shareholders,

holding 40 percent of shares in Greece’s OTE Group. In 2012, COSMOTE Romania won the auction for the 25M 1800M and 10M 2600M LTE spectrums and planned to launch LTE services in the hope of better customer experience and competitiveness.

I n 2 010 , Z T E s u c c e s s f u l l y c o m ple t e d a U M T S p r o je c t fo r COSMOTE Romania using ZTE’s industry-leading SDR technologies and network delivery capabilit ies. The previous cooperation on UMTS networks has laid a solid foundation for further work on LTE projects between COSMOTE and ZTE.

15 August 2014, Cape Town, South Africa ― ZTE has been awarded the 2013 Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Leadership i n A f r ica , ba se d on Fros t & Sullivan’s recent analysis of the green ICT power solutions market.

ZTE’s ICT power solutions offer green, uninterrupted power supply and energy-saving technologies, and are helping address many of the challenges relating to power availability and environmental pol lu t ion fac i ng t he A f r ica n continent. ZTE’s green energy solutions, including battery-diesel generator (DG) hybrid power, solar power, solar-DG hybrid power, wind-solar-DG hybrid power, solar video surveillance, solar pumping, solar street lighting, home solar power, photovoltaics (PV) on-grid power plant and low voltage solar power plant solutions have been implemented in many countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

25 August 2014 , Shenzhen ― ZTE announced a partnership with Blue Jeans Network, the global leader in interoperable video collaboration services. This partnership will allow ZTE customers to experience Blue Jeans Network’s cloud-based video conferencing services (VCS) and connect easily to one another via their ZTE VCS products, creating a uniform user experience that fosters collaboration. Starting in August, ZTE VCS room system with Blue Jeans video conferencing services will be available in the US, Europe, Australia and Singapore.

Blue Je a n s Ne t work ex t e nd s

high-quality video communications beyond the traditional boundaries of virtual conference rooms by allowing individuals, employees, partners and family and friends, to connect and interact with each other seamlessly and effectively. “We’re excited to work with ZTE to expand their reach i n t o t he v ide o c om mu n ica t ion s services market,” said Stu Aaron, chief commercial officer at Blue Jeans Network. “This partnership is another example of sharing our expertise in interoperability and expanding our ecosystem. We look forward to working with ZTE to proliferate easy, open, and affordable video conferencing.”

ZTE Wins COSMOTE Romania LTE Contract


TE NewsZ

ZTE Completes 4G LTE Network Stress Test for China Telecom in Shanghai

1 September 2014, Shenzhen ― ZTE was ran ked No.1 i n terms of shipment during the 4G network construction among the three Chinese domestic operators. As 4G services are being rolled out, ZTE and the operators held joint tests in several cities to test the 4G network performance in mult iuser and high t raff ic scenarios.

I n t he t e s t o rga n i zed by China Telecom in Shanghai, the network built by ZTE delivered e x c e p t i o n a l p e r f o r m a n c e , where one single CS accessed a maximum of 450 subscribers simult aneously for the f i r s t t ime. The access success rate reached 10 0% a nd t he CPU load was lower than 30%. The 450 subscr ibers accessed the video services at the same time, which made the cell’s throughput exceed 100 Mbps, but the CPU load was still lower than 9%. In addition, ZTE specially designed the test case for signaling storm. The 450 subscribers executed paging and activating repeatedly. In this case, system KPIs were f u l ly no r m a l , a nd t he CPU utilization was only about 36%. Hence the 4G network built by ZTE successfully handled the burst of large traff ic, proving t h a t t h e s y s t e m c a n e a s i l y handle issues resulting from the signaling storm.

9 September 2014, Shanghai ― ZTE was delighted to welcome former President of the United States Jimmy Carter to Shanghai, deepening the company’s friendship with the President who championed closer ties between the U.S. and China.

President Car ter tou red ZTE’s Research and Development Center in Shanghai, home to some of the company’s most significant technology research projects in telecom networks and devices. Shi Lirong, President of ZTE, and Cheng Lixin, Chairman of ZTE USA, briefed President Carter on the latest business updates in the U.S. market, where ZTE is consolidating its position as one of the top providers of smartphones.

“It was my pleasure to visit the

ZTE Research and Development Center in Shanghai today. It was impressive to learn of the great technological advancements that ZTE has developed,” President Carter said. “During this 35th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.-China relations, it is good to know of the partnerships between ZTE and American telecom companies.”

“We are honored by the visit of President Carter to ZTE, and delighted to have the opportunity to show him some of the company’s latest innovations,” said Mr. Shi. “President Carter’s vision and foresight has helped inspire ZTE and other Chinese technology companies to develop deep and mutually-beneficial partnerships with our counterparts in the U.S.”

28 August 2014, Shenzhen ― ZTE, a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, has signed a contract with Slovak operator SWAN for a nationwide LTE network project.

ZTE will exclusively construct core circuit-switched/packet-switched (CS/PS) network, and a GSM/LTE mobile communications and value added services (VAS) network, involving over 1,100 dual-mode GSM/LTE base stations to SWAN.

ZTE Exclusively Wins SWAN Slovakia Contract for Nationwide LTE Networks

ZTE Hosts President Carter as China-U.S. Dynamic Drives Business Growth


IP Voicesv

Tiscali is an Italian telecom company founded in 1998 in Sardinia. After the liberalization

of the telecom market in Italy, Tiscali became one of the main alternative operators in Europe. From March 1999 onward, the company offered Tiscali Free Net, a subscription-free internet service where customers only had to pay for the time they were online. This pushed other Italian providers to abolish their fixed subscription

fees and made the internet more accessible to people in Italy. Tiscali sees itself as an independent telecom operator, and this characteristic has contributed greatly to its success. What makes Tiscali such a strong player? Where are the growth opportunities for Tiscali today? Reporter Zhu Yiwen interviewed Andrea Podda, CTO of Tiscali.

Q: Could you introduce Tiscali?

A: Tiscali is one of the leading alternative telecom companies in Italy. We provide individuals and businesses with a vast range of services, including dial-up and ADSL internet as well as voice, VoIP, media, value-added services, and other technologically advanced products. Tiscali was the first operator to provide free internet access in Italy following the liberalization of the telecom market in 1998. Since 2002, we have been involved in a pan-European

IP Voicesv

Tiscali: Consolidating a Level Playing Field in the Telecom MarketReporter: Zhu Yiwen


IP Voicesv

campaign against the existing monopoly in the broadband market.

Q: Are there any differences between the Italian market and other European markets?

A: Italy is the fourth largest telecom market in Western Europe, with revenue of $43.8 billion in 2013. We expect to see overall market revenue in Italy remain flat from 2013 to 2018. We

expect telecom market revenue in Italy to be approximately $44 billion in 2018. There will nonetheless be significant growth opportunities in Italy, especially in the wireless market as operators focus on 3.5G. Increasingly, they will also turn to 4G and develop indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi.

WiFi, fixed broadband, and mobile data services will open up highly attractive revenue opportunities over the next five years and are predicted to generate about $102 billion.

In terms of internet usage, 56% of Italians uses the internet at least once a week, which is well below the EU average of 72%, and 34% of Italians have still never used the internet. This is significantly higher than the EU average of 20%.

In Italy, there continues to be a significant decline in voice revenues in the fixed-line market because of reduced rates and a progressive shift of voice traffic to mobile. In recent years, all

Tiscali:


Andrea Podda, CTO of Tiscali

IP Voicesv

range of high-quality services, such as DSL, VoIP, and advanced business services that make communications between a company’s different locations more efficient and secure.

Over the last few years, Tiscali has channelled its efforts and resources into raising our brand awareness. Our key assets are our strong brand, reputation for value, and significant ADSL customer base.

Q: What is Tiscali’s main focus this year?

A: The macro economy continues to be highly unstable, and consumption is decreasing. Tiscali is therefore concentrating on implementing our business plan and financial restructuring plan. These will ensure we have balanced equity and financial performance over the long term. From an industry point of view, Tiscali is continuing to improve its operational efficiency and innovate with its services.

Q: Where do you see the growth opportunities for Tiscali today?

A: Our commitment on innovation continues, with a specific focus on business services; cloud services; the Indoona and Steamago products; unified communication suite; new search engine, called Istella; and Smart Cities solutions. Our Smart Cities solutions are based on our experience with local governments and best-in-class technology and applications. We are helping governments modernize

their infrastructure, ensuring that new technology can integrate with a city’s legacy infrastructure and embedding intelligence into a city’s infrastructure using Wi-Fi, NFC and BLE solutions.

Tiscali’s management is also committed to defining and implementing a restructuring plan so that we achieve a financial and capital structure consistent with our expected cash flow and hit our business targets.

Q: What is your strategy to keep Tiscali’s advantage in the market? A: Despite the competitive and challenging marketplace over the past few years, our results confirm our commitment to optimizing our traditional businesses and innovating with new services. In this challenging market, growth in the number of customers accessing our fixed network testifies to the strength of our brand and validity of our distribution strategy. It also validates the actions we took to secure a larger part of the telecom supply chain and focus on innovating on OTT services and digital media.

Q: ZTE and Tiscali have already collaborated on several businesses. What are your expectations for future cooperation?

A: Tiscali is now working with ZTE to migrate all B2B fixed users to our IMS platform, including IP Centrex service,

operators have attempted to counter this phenomenon by increasing the penetration of ADSL and introducing innovative bundled voice, broadband, and services deals (double play). The environment is highly competitive and there is continual pressure to drop prices. The main fixed operators are now also offering mobile services, and some are becoming mobile virtual operators (MVOs).

In 2013, customers continued to migrate from fixed-line to mobile telephony and alternative communications solutions such as VoIP, messaging, e-mail, and social network chat. The impetus behind this migration has been the widespread diffusion of smartphones and tablets.

Italy does not have a cable market.

Q: Tiscali witnessed strong competition in Italian market yet remained a leading operator. What makes Tiscali such a strong player?

A: Tiscali has consistently striven for a level playing field in the telecom market. We believe that freedom of communication is a fundamental objective which, once achieved, must be protected and maintained.

In Tiscali, business and management decisions are always made with the future in mind. By continuously developing and implementing advanced technologies, Tiscali creates value for its customers. Through its IP and VoIP network, Tiscali is able to supply a wide


IP Voicesv

decreasing the reliance on expensive proprietary hardware platforms.

While the benefits of SDN and NFV are well known in the enterprise IT and data center world, both technologies also bring hosts of benefits to telecom service providers.

Another area to focus on, I believe, is the development of smart city projects in some Italian cities. This involves working on projects in energy, transportation, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance that help a city run efficiently. The market potential of smart cities is estimated to be hundreds of millions of euros. These projects will involve the combined efforts of end-to-end service providers, network operators, product vendors, and managed service providers.

implemented in the IMS SSS itself. When the migration is completed, Tiscali will build a unified communications solution for the enterprise market. We will create a seamless, secure collaboration environment where employees in different offices of a company and roaming employees can communicate efficiently using any available means.

Most smartphone users are running mobile apps over Wi-Fi networks. Smartphone users favour Wi-Fi for data consumption. Tiscali is paying attention to this trend and is pushing to build a proprietary nationwide Wi-Fi network starting in Sardinia.

Q: Do you have any advice to ZTE?

A: Tiscali needs to ensure maximum return on each investment. Flexibility and interoperability with other systems and vendors is a key concern. Interoperability

and flexibility are the cornerstones for successful IMS platforms. A truly interoperable system will give Tiscali the flexibility to deploy business services based on applications developed in-house and meet the needs of our business customers.

Q: In your opinion, what will drive the evolution of the telecom sector?

A: Software-defined networking and network function virtualization are the trends because they boost application performance and management flexibility. They are used to connect virtual machines and servers to any resource in the data center. They help address the explosive capacity demand of fixed and mobile traffic. They can also reduce the capex and opex of service providers by


IP Voicesv

Laos is a neighbor of China and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It has 49

ethnic groups, and most of its people are Buddhists. The country covers an area of 236,800 square kilometers and is colloquially known as the “roof of Indochina.” Eighty percent of its terrain is forest-covered mountains and plateaus. Unitel is the largest operator in Laos and is jointly owned by the Laos Ministry of Defense and V-Telglobal of Vietnam. The company has annual sales of $180 million and a procurement quota of $20–30 million. Unitel and ZTE have established a long-term strategic partnership. Recently, ZTE Technologies interviewed Ulaha

Reporters: Zhu Tao and Zhang Zhe

Delivering Advanced Communication Technologies to All Laotians

Unitel: IP Voicesv

Thongvantha, chairman of Unitel. He talked about the opportunities open to Unitel, challenges to be overcome, and future development strategy. Q: Could you briefly introduce Unitel and its areas of operation? A: Unitel is one of the main operators in Laos. We are a multinational joint-stock company. The Laotian side owns 51% and the Vietnamese side owns 49% of the shares. We are supported by both the Party and government of Laos.

Q: What challenges and opportunities does Unitel have in Laos?

A: Laos has a population of only 6

million people, and the market is relatively small. At present, many foreign enterprises and individuals are investing in Laos. Unitel is now facing competition in terms of technology and market share. We have to constantly update our technologies and expand our market share. We need to provide quality services at lower prices, and this also needs to be supported by ZTE.

We are also supported by the Party and government of Laos, especially the Ministry of Defense. This has enhanced our reputation greatly. We treasure these opportunities and hope that Unitel can reach new heights under the leadership of our management team.

Q: What are the biggest benefits that Unitel brings to Laos?

A: We let the Lao people enjoy advanced communications technologies


IP Voicesv

and devices. We have made a great contribution to the national GDP compared to the power and construction sectors. We have also made significant contributions to national defense, social security, and education. We have set up an online education system that cost $1 million and is used by 951 schools in the country.

Q: What is Unitel’s development strategy?

A: The urban-rural divide is significant in Laos. The city has higher standard of living and telecom devices are much more popular there, moreso than

A: Unitel and ZTE have developed all-round exchanges. We have cooperated with ZTE since we were the sole shareholder of Unitel, and our cooperation has been smooth. ZTE is a large international company and has completed some very important projects for the Laotian government. We’ve learned a lot from years of cooperation with ZTE. We still remember when ZTE helped train our staff, and effects of this training have been significant and long-lasting. Our progress is due in no small measure to the help and support we have received from ZTE. I hope that Unitel and ZTE will grow together for a better future.

in underdeveloped rural and ethnic minority areas. Our first main strategy is to deliver advanced communication technologies to different groups all over the country.

Now our main business focus is our 3G network. Although the 3G network is slow and not the best quality, we will try our best to improve it. We know that talent is fundamental to the development of all industries. We are going to throw a lot of manpower and materials at developing highly qualified and efficient staff members.

Q: How has ZTE contributed to Unitel’s growth?


Ulaha Thongvantha（R），chairman of Unitel.

IP Voicesv

Q: What are Unitel ’s goals and how wi l l you achieve them?

A: Our overall goal is to deliver better, cheaper services so that Unitel will become stronger in the telecom market.

the local laws and rules of the telecom industry in Laos. Third, we aim to deliver better, cheaper services than what other operators can offer. We are now making every effort to improve our 3G network. We are also applying for a 4G license and have planned a 4G trial. We hope we can expand the market and attract new customers while retaining our existing customers. Finally, to get things done in Laos, we must understand the national character of Lao. Our explorations into the local culture as well as the training we conduct for staff are also the foundation of our achievements in this country.

We’ve learned a lot from years of cooperation with ZTE. We still remember when ZTE helped train our staff, and effects of this training have been significant and long-lasting.


To achieve this goal, we need to uphold some principles. First, Unitel is a joint venture whose employees come from two countries. The key to managing the enterprise well is to ensure the cohesiveness and focus of all staff. Second, as foreigners, we must follow

ech ForumT

Heng Yunjun, architecture director of Wireline Product Operation Division, ZTE Corporation


From 2000 to 2007, ZTE delivered bandwidth via copper networks. Applications were mostly run on PCs, and email, internet browsing, video downloading,

and IP telephony were the main sources of network data. Then in 2008, networks based on ADSL2+ began to provide 18 Mbps. When it only took 18 minutes to download a high-definition Harry Potter movie to PC, we thought that the bandwidth needs of households had been fully satisfied. However, smartphones and tablets began a revolution that has not only affected mobile networks but also wired networks, especially in terms of optical fiber.

Nowadays at places such as cafes, airports, residences, or subway stations, smart terminals can be used to facilitate multiple Wi-Fi connections enabled by wired networks. Downloading a HD movie in 18 minutes is no longer satisfactory. Videos from several to dozens of gigabytes take up a lot of hard drive and bandwidth. Now when we Skype,

By Heng Yunjun

1G to the Home: Vision and Initiation

ech ForumT

ech ForumT


Figure 2. Flexible NG PON2 architecture for integrated access with super high bandwidth.

we want face-to-face video with sharp images. We don’t just want online comparison shopping; we want an interactive 3D experience, as if we are really in the shop. Demand for bandwidth is increasing tenfold every seven years.

Due to technology and cost constraints, the communications industry predicts that 1 Gpbs mobile connectivity will only be possible by 2020. However, for wired networks, 1 Gpbs will be available much sooner. ZTE, a leading supplier of fixed networks, has launched a 1G-to-the-home concept and solution that ensures new technology can be installed in existing networks and guarantees network scalability.

Before using a technology, overall consideration needs to be given to service needs, technology/product maturity, input-output calculation, and time-to-market. Technically, the XG-PON1 technology being used to deliver 100-300 Mbps to common

subscribers can provide 1 Gbps to high-end and enterprise users (Fig. 1). To satisfy increasing demand for bandwidth, XG-PON1 can also be upgraded to support N × 10G single-mode fiber through wavelength overlapping. This enables 1 Gbps for common users and 10 Gbps for high-end users. The upgrade involves gradual wavelength overlapping, and no structural changes need to be made to the original optical network. While delivering 1G to the home, mobile backhaul can be supported (Fig. 2).

ZTE has estimated the construction costs and expected revenue for GPON, 10G EPON, XG-PON1 and NG PON2 networks over the next several years (Fig. 3). These estimates are based on networks with different technologies in mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong. They are also based on the previous trajectories of tariffs in telecom industries, equipment cost, and network capacity. ZTE’s estimates reveal that the

Figure 1. Evolution of optical access technologies.

A/BPONEPON 10G-EPON OFDM/WDM

TDM-PON+WDM-PON+OFDM

TDM-PON+WDM-PONTDM-PON

Ultra-OFDM

UD WDM PtP WDM

40G/100G TDMWDM PON

Commercial time 2007 2012~2014 2020 After 2025Port broadband capability 1G/2.5G 10G N×10G N×40G/100G

Each user broadband <50M 100M~300M 500M~1G nG

TWDM PON

Maximum Maintain and Reuse

ODN

Family

Government

Virtual Operation

Enterprises

PtP WDM

Multiple wave superposition improve the system bandwidth and user capacity

Converged access to families, government and enterprises, mobile network and wholesales

Adopting TWDM and P2P WDM Technologies as requirement

Compatible with a variety of uplink & downlink rates and systems

Mobile Backhaul

TWDM-PON

GPON XG-PON1

ech ForumT


bulk of network construction cost lies in terminal prices and per-user cost at the central-office side does not vary much with respect to network capacity. The speed at which a technology is commercialized depends on network capacity and cost-benefit analysis. Large-scale commercialization of XG-PON1 is expected to begin in 2014.

When planning for fixed broadband access, demand, technology and economics all need to be taken into account. Network upgrades should be based on market and user value segmentation. For universal coverage, a GPON/10 GPON hybrid network can provide ordinary bandwidth for common GPON users and high bandwidth for high-end 10 GPON users. This guarantees service provision improves ROI. 10 GPON can be used to deliver 100+ Mbps to high-value customers in the near term and 1 Gbps further into the future. Current GPON and XG-PON1 can be easily upgraded to NG PON2 without changing existing ODNs (Fig. 4). A network using XG-PON1 and GPON can first adopt WDM multiplexing and then be upgraded into NG PON2 so that the network is compatible with NG PON, XG-PON1 and GPON terminals.

We produce countless photos and videos that we want to store both locally and in the cloud. We need seamless Wi-Fi coverage for our smart mobile terminals anywhere in the home. We want to watch our children and parents in real time to ensure that they are safe while we work in the office. We want to store super-high-definition movies for future viewing.

Smart terminals are driving the demand for bandwidth and this, in turn, is opening up more possibilities for service planning. As early as 2012, ZTE collaborated with British Telecom to build the world’s first commercial experiments bureau. In 2012 and 2013, ZTE won innovation awards from BBWF and GTB respectively. ZTE has also built commercial XG-PON1 networks for Indonesia PT Telkom and Spain’s Jazztel. Initial testing of the technology, network construction mode planning, and development of intelligent home networks all indicate ZTE’s front-runner position in the optical access field. From ZTE’s perspective, 1G-to-the-home is possible because the technology makes it possible and customer demand is strong. ZTE has taken a crucial step in pioneering 1G-to-the-home networks.

Figure 3. Terminal cost estimate of different access technologies.

10

2014

GPON 10G-EPON XG-PON1 NG-xPON

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

86

42

0

* Supposed the price of GPON terminal is 1

Times

Figure 4. Upgrading GPON and XG-PON1 to NG PON2.

Existing GPON

Add NG xPON OLT or Line Card

WDM Coupling Upgrade to NG xPON ONU

GPON ONU

XG-PON1 ONU

XG-PON1

pecial Topic: Broadband Accessspecial Topic: Broadband Accesss

Rapid and Flexible LTE Deployment

FTTM Enables

By Qin Yewen

Mobile traffic is experiencing explosive growth in the LTE era. To attract users, secure market share, and increase revenue, operators need to deploy many small cells to quickly boost network capacity, improve network coverage, offer superior user experience, and enhance market competitiveness. However, many small cells have an impact on bearer resources and cost.

PON FTTx Enables Fast, Low-Cost Small-Cell Deployment

Small cells are usually carried over a public network. Mass small-cell deployment requires a network to have abundant mobile backhaul resources. The backhaul network must have high bandwidth; it must be very reliable; it must have accurate clock synchronization; and it must have


Rapid LTE Growth

LTE is the fastest-growing technology in the history of mobile communications.

With high bandwidth and low delay, LTE offers data rates far higher than those of existing wireless broadband networks. LTE ensures ubiquitous network coverage and seamless wireless applications.

pecial Topics

investment, saves installment costs, and requires less bearer resources.

High-Precision Clock SynchronizationOf all synchronization solutions

currently available for small cells, synchronization based on GPS and air interface is not applicable to small cells that are densely deployed over a wide area. Other synchronization modes, such as 1588v2 and synchronous Ethernet, are better suited to these small cells. Existing FTTx networks enable clock synchronization through 1588V2, synchronous Ethernet, and 1PPS+ToD or as defined by protocols of the PON system.

Hierarchical QoSSmall cells may be deployed in

the same network where there are existing broadband and Wi-Fi users. Robust service-processing mechanism and bandwidth allocation capability are needed to guarantee services of different classes and to ensure that wireless signaling is reliable for mobile video, data, and voice. The PON FTTx system provides flexible QoS scheduling mechanisms at the port, user, and service levels to prioritize the forwarding of small-cell services and to

improve user experience.

Complete Service ProtectionIn an FTTx network, PON

provides abundant protection mechanisms, including Type B and Type C protection for OLT PON ports and redundancy for backbone fiber, branch fiber, and ONT PON ports. PON OLT uplink ports also support LACP, ring networking, and MSTP. Protection modes can be flexibly used for common hotspots, cells, or even macro cells in important areas.

Bandwidth MatchingAs wireless technology advances,

there is a growing demand for bandwidth. xPON is developing in line with wireless broadband access technologies from EPON/GPON to 10G PON and next-generation PON and carries GE, 10GE, and n × 10GE access bandwidth. The technology and bandwidth capabilities of PON in its different phases will meet the backhaul bandwidth needs of 3G, 4G and future 5G.

Flexible Power Supply and Intelligent OAM

Since small cells are deployed in complex environments, backhaul

Existing widely deployed PON FTTx networks have inherent advantages in terms of carrying small cells.

flexible power supply. To generate revenue from the network, an operator has to select low-cost, flexible, reliable technology to backhaul the small cells. Existing widely deployed PON FTTx networks have inherent advantages in terms of carrying small cells.

Low-Cost Dense CoverageSmall cells are deployed more

densely than existing macro cells. Therefore, it is unfeasible to use traditional backhaul platforms, which may also pose high requirements for uplink bandwidth of OLT ports. Moreover, the areas to be covered by small cells are largely the same as those covered by FTTx access networks. An FTTx access network can be used to quickly and flexibly deploy small cells. This enables quick return on


pecial Topic: Broadband Accesss

equipment needs to support flexible power supply and fast fault handling. The PON system can provide remote power supply for some small cells through PoE and PoE+. It also provides an end-to-end intelligent OAM system that enables easy daily OAM and quick fault location and handling.

As LTE cells can be well carried over FTTx networks, operators in many countries including the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Spain, Russia and Canada have used xPON FTTx networks to backhaul LTE macro cells and small cells. This approach has brought them considerable investment returns.

FTTM for Various Small-Cell Deployment Scenarios

There are two small-cell deployment scenarios in areas where LTE coverage and capacity is limited: indoor and outdoor. Indoor scenarios include coverage and capacity expansion for homes, offices, and high-rise buildings. Outdoor scenarios

include coverage for outdoor hotspots, blind spots, traffic infrastructure, suburbs, and rural areas. ZTE has rolled out a fiber-to-the-mobile (FTTM) solution for these scenarios (Fig. 1).

In these areas, operators can flexibly use existing xPON FTTx resources to deploy small cells. A small cell can incorporate Wi-Fi, even into a home gateway unit. In addition to wireless network services, the small cell also provides new value-added services because small cells are cheap, provide good coverage, and have diverse interfaces. A small cell can also be integrated into a home gateway, enterprise gateway, or enterprise information engine to serve as a brand-new integrated service platform. In the future, small cells will be more intelligent and integrated and will support 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. They will be further integrated into the Internet of Things, near-field communication, high-definition set-

top box, video surveillance, enterprise broadcast platforms, and smart home control. Small cells will evolve to become integrated, cloud-based, social, intelligent super-cells. FTTx access networks can be smoothly evolved and have a range of ONUs that meet the needs of different bearer interfaces with small cells.

ZTE’s xPON FTTM solution provides a series of system and terminal equipment. Multiple types of ONUs are used in the solution such as integrated, low-cost ONTs with SFP modules, converged multi-port ONUs, and outdoor ONTs with high adaptability to environment. The solution unifies management through an end-to-end visual interface and satisfies the requirements of indoor and outdoor small cell scenarios. The delay, QoS, clock synchronization, and power supply requirements for LTE bearer network can also be met. Moreover, ZTE’s xPON FTTM products support smooth technological evolution to keep pace with the development of wireless broadband networks.

FTTM Accommodates LTE Growth and Ushers in a New Era for Mobile Broadband Networks

LTE networks are widely deployed, so operators will make major efforts to develop optical access networks and build complete FTTx networks. To cope with a huge amount of mobile data traffic and meet the need for network convergence, operators will have to keep improving network coverage and capacity. ZTE’s innovative FTTM solution provides complete fixed-mobile convergence that allows users to enjoy feature-rich mobile internet applications anytime, anywhere.

Hot Spot Coverage (Transportation hubs and campuses)

Indoor Coverage (Business buildings)

Small Cell

Small Cell

Small Cell

FemtocellEPC

Internet PON OLT

ODN

P2P

Outdoor Coverage (Rural and remote areas/ campus/residential areas)

Outdoor Coverage (Blind spots/traffic offload/high-rise buildings)

Outdoor Coverage(Shopping streets/open-air cafes or restaurants)

Home Femto Indoor Coverage

Figure 1. ZTE’s FTTM solution.


pecial Topics

Although FTTx has been extensively deployed worldwide, there are many

OAM problems related to it. Traditionally, ONUs are managed in different ways in FTTC, FTTB, FTTdp, and FTTH applications; therefore, operators have to ensure their FTTx networks have multiple OAM modes and that their network element management systems (EMS) support multiple protocols. This not only increases maintenance costs but also raises the bar for interoperability so that purchasing replacement becomes more difficult. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a solution that simplifies network OAM.

The Call for Simple FTTx OAM OAM for FTTx ONUs encompasses

equipment deployment, service activation, version upgrade, and device replacement. Equipment at the link layer is usually deployed through

OMCI/extended OAM. Depending on the specific scenario, services can be remotely activated through SNMP, OMCI/extended OAM, TR069, the auxiliary Web, or Telnet. Version upgrade may be implemented through OMCI/extended OAM and FTP. Diverse management modes and protocols complicate the network management system, and the management interoperability also involves multiple interoperability standards.

Moreover, network elements are deployed differently in a different FTTx network:● Equipment does not necessarily need to

be deployed in order to activate services. In FTTH mode, equipment needs to be deployed to activate new services. However, in FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp modes, equipment only needs to be deployed when services are activated for the first subscriber.

● FTTH equipment supports plug-and-play; however, FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp devices do not support it now.

● An operator may have different electronic work orders or dispatch work orders for different FTTx equipment. This leads to many differences in equipment deployment and OAM. The operator’s work order system needs to differentiate between various kinds of FTTx equipment and have multiple work order interfaces. This makes EMS upgrade less convenient when the southbound interface is modified and increases the complexity of FTTx OAM.

To simplify network OAM and reduce costs, it is necessary to develop a new OAM solution that enables FTTx equipment to be deployed with fewer management protocols and decreases device and EMS complexity. FTTH is generally viewed as the final stage

vFTTH Enablesa Unified FTTx ManagementBy Zhang Haijun


pecial Topics


of FTTx development, and the use of the FTTH OAM mechanism to reconstruct FTTB, FTTC, and FTTdp modes is worthy of further research. This gives rise to an innovative virtual FTTH (vFTTH) solution.

vFTTH: An Innovation in FTTx OAMvFTTH is designed to unify OAM

of various MDU, MTU, SBU, and DPU terminals in FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp scenarios. Through virtual emulation, a terminal originally shared by several users can serve as multiple FTTH optical network terminals (ONTs). This makes the management of MDU, MTU, SBU, and DPU similar to that of FTTH ONTs.

vFTTH uses advanced virtualization technology to emulate multiple MAC addresses and forwards and manages the traffic of each MAC path. This innovative mechanism enables EMS protocols and procedures, service activation, electronic work orders, and dispatch work orders to be fully shared by FTTH devices. A virtual MAC (vMAC) can be considered as a virtual single family unit (vSFU) where● vMAC/vSFU has basic functionalities

similar to a stand-alone SFU. ● Each vMAC/vSFU maps one or multiple

UNIs. When a UNI port associated with the vMAC is activated for the first time, the MAC registration process is initiated. After that, the MAC registration process is still initiated, even if the UNI port is idle. In this way, ONUs are always registered on the OLT.

● Each vMAC/vSFU has an independent forwarding domain.

● Each vMAC/vSFU responds to the time window sent by the OLT.

● Multiple vMACs/vSFUs adopt a random competition mechanism for registration on the OLT.

● Each vMAC/vSFU has an independent management channel and a full range of FTTH management modes such as

OMCI/extended OAM, Web and Telnet. ● vMAC/vSFU has standard VLAN

processing capability. ● vMAC/vSFU only keeps port cache and

forwarding.

vFTTH changes OAM modes in traditional multiuser FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp scenarios. These scenarios are considered as a stack of individual FTTH users. vFTTH enables multiple users to share MDU, MTU, SBU, and DPU that are used as multiple FTTH ONTs. However, the cost of the MDU, MTU, SBU, and DPU is much lower than that of multiple ONTs. The original FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp management protocols and modes are united in FTTH mode so that operators can implement unified management without differentiating the MDU, MTU, SBU, DPU, and SFU. In a future FTTx network, MDUs, MTUs, SBUs, DPUs, and SFUs will share an EMS platform and will be managed remotely through OMCI or extended OAM. This lowers the requirements for network

Service Request

BSS

OSS

EMS

OLT vSFU@FTTdp

OMCI (8 Channels)

ITMS IPTV IMS/SS AAA

Home 1

Home 2

Home 8

Figure 1. vFTTH deployment procedure.

vFTTH


pecial Topics

emulate eight users, each of which has one UNI port.

The vFTTH deployment procedure is as follows:● The CRM system accepts user

service requests. ● The CRM system calls in the

resource-management function to confirm resources and generate customer orders.

● The CRM system dispatches customer orders to the service-activation system, which handles FTTx service orders. This involves dispatching an FTTx resource-configuration order to the resource-management system for automatic resource configuration, an activation work order to the automatic activation system for automatic device activation, and an outside construction work order to the construction scheduling system for manual construction implementation, and an integrated test system to perform a service quality test.

● The resource-management system configures network equipment and lines and updates their states.

● The automatic activation system interfaces with the network-management platform associated with all FTTx products and automatically activates these products. The activation involves authenticating user billing account and OLT/ONU based on the SN or LOID.

● The construction-scheduling system dispatches construction orders and controls the manual construction implementation process. At the user premises, the engineer powers on the device and uplinks the port. If authentication is based on the LOID, the LOID needs to be separately entered and the corresponding vSFU is activated.

● The integrated test system performs a quality test after the service has been activated.

● The service-activation system sends a completion acknowledgement to the CRM system after the service passes the test.

● The CRM system sends an advice of charge to the billing system after receiving the completion acknowledgment. The billing system is responsible for collecting and billing for related FTTx products.

vFTTH products are deployed in exactly the same way as FTTH products. Activating a port of a vFTTH product is the same as activating an SFU in FTTH. Both the links and services of vSFUs are configured through OMCI/extended OAM. Service forwarding of a vSFU is also the same as that of SFU. Even some key points for vFTTH OAM such as dying gasp, long-lasting phosphorescence protection, optical link detection, device replacement, and version upgrade, also borrow from the FTTH OAM logic. From a management perspective, multi-user devices that are reconstructed using vFTTH virtualization are the same as a stack of multiple FTTH ONTs.

FTTx is deployed according to local conditions. Although FTTH is the main scenario, FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp will not disappear overnight; it will be around for a long time because of low equipment cost. Therefore, unified OAM of FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp will continue to be a concern of operators. vFTTH virtualization technology unites the OAM schemes of FTTB, FTTC, and FTTdp towards FTTH OAM mode and reduces both opex and capex. The technology is worthy of continuous and in-depth study and will have a long-term impact on FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp construction.

management, reduces the types of work orders and interoperability threshold, and conforms to FTTH-focused broadband construction. vFTTH is a breakthrough technology that will lead worldwide FTTC, FTTB, and FTTdp reconstruction.

vFTTH in Full Compliance with FTTH Deployment Procedure

vFTTH is deployed in compliance with the FTTH deployment procedure. In an FTTdp scenario, an eight-port DPU is installed in the corridor (Fig. 1). The DPU virtually generates eight vMACs to

vFTTH



U-Cable:A Big Leap for Cable OperatorsBy Wang Xinsheng

New Challenges for Network Operations

T he past decade has seen rapid construction of broadband networks and development

of broadband services. On account of big data, network transfer rate has increased tenfold every five years. This has increased requirements in terms of network planning, construction, deployment, and OAM.

There are significant challenges facing cable networks: speedy cross-sector mergers and acquisitions are blurring

industrial boundaries; network convergence has made full-service operation a trend; the cost of unidirectional-to-bidirectional digital modernization has become high; homogeneous competition between operators is intense; and innovation in QoE has become increasingly difficult. Operators must focus on offering higher bandwidth at lower cost; offering more flexible tariffs for different services; and deploying services quickly in order reach customers first.

Worldwide, telecom operators and OTT service providers have been big threats for cable operators. However, cable operators can leverage their first-

mover advantages in terms of content, network resources, user numbers, and user stickiness to be competitive. Cable operators also need to learn from and cooperate with their competitors.

Choosing an Appropriate Technology

There is a wide choice of technologies for cable network construction and development: FTTH/O, FTTB, FTTdp, FTTC, DOCSIS, C-DOCSIS, EOC and DPoE. These technologies differ in terms of user bandwidth provisioning, unit bandwidth cost, complexity of network technology and architecture, deployment modes and adaptability, OAM. The



pecial Topics

technology/technologies used in a specific network must meet the service and bandwidth needs of users.

Broadband has driven massive deployment of FTTx technology in cable networks; for example, fiber-only or fiber-copper hybrid construction has had a big impact on legacy HFC/CMTS networks. Traditional CATV networks urgently need IP-based bidirectional digital modernization and bandwidth upgrade. The drawbacks of CMTS technology in terms of performance, functionality, network evolution, and cost have been exposed, and deep deployment of fiber at the user side is an irreversible trend.

Building Cable Broadband Access Networks

ZTE has developed U-Cable, a solution tailored to the cable market. U-Cable conforms to the trend of fiber in/copper out deployment and bidirectional CATV. U-Cable provides different solutions for home, business, and individuals. These solutions involve newly constructed and reconstructed CATV networks as well as coverage for blind spots. By combining FTTx and coaxial cable, U-Cable provides highly adaptive broadband access, modernized CATV, and expanded business applications. U-Cable’s responsive and accurate network services help cable operators implement last-mile broadband acceleration and flexible networks.

U-Cable provides the following

advantages:● ultra-bandwidth. Depending on the

network construction modes and degree of fiber deployment, access bandwidth from 20 Mbps to 10 Gbps can be provided to meet different customer requirements.

● adaptable access. A newly constructed U-Cable network provides full coverage and eliminates network black spots. U-Cable provides access to homes, businesses, and public hotspots.

● flexible evolution. U-Cable supports smooth evolution from C-DOCSIS to DOCSIS3.1 and from 1G to 10G PON and beyond. U-Cable supports gradual upgrade from FTTB/FTTC to FTTH/O/dp.

● centralized management. U-Cable has a platform for unified OAM. With automatic configuration, offline configuration, batch-processing, and remote upgrade and management, U-Cable boosts network performance and saves the costs in labor and construction.

● optimized OAM. U-Cable includes multiple network optimization measures for intelligent network planning, efficient construction, accurate fault location, and proactive OAM. U-Cable simplifies network OAM by making the network more transparent, controllable, and manageable.

● exploiting existing resources. U-Cable allows both fiber-only and fiber/copper hybrid deployment so that

the existing copper can be reused to save cost.

● reduced network layers. By introducing OLTs into the network to deliver more functions and higher performance, pushing nodes further to the user side, and cutting network layers, U-Cable greatly reduces the demand for resources, such as equipment room space.

To facilitate the deployment and OAM of cable networks, U-Cable provides a full range of products, including FTTx equipment and C-DOCSIS/EoC for central and terminal offices, as well as a unified management service system. U-Cable has strong capabilities in terms of QoS, security, and OAM and guarantees effective network operation. This, in turn, enables operators to offer differentiated services, create superior networks, deliver rich value-added services, and increase revenue.

Helping Cable Operators Leapfrog Forward

As a leading broadband equipment provider, ZTE is committed to delivering first-class solutions, excellent customer service, and responsive customization. U-Cable encompasses products and services that can be used in a wide variety of scenarios. Coupled with ZTE’s strong project execution capability, U-Cable assures high-quality end-to-end delivery to help operators build operable, evolvable broadband networks.



FTTdp:Tailored to Operator Needs

By Shi Jie

Large-scale deployment of FTTx has exposed many shortcomings in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)

and fiber-to-the-building (FTTB). FTTH requires high investment in ODN, lengthy construction period for optical lines, and much difficulty in deploying fiber into the home. With FTTB there are two main issues: energizing multi-dwelling units in the corridor and low port availability. To address these issues, ZTE has unveiled an innovative fiber-to-the-distribution-point (FTTdp) solution that uses advanced virtual MAC for flexible access.

ZTE has developed FTTdp MDU, a multiport distribution point unit (DPU) that supports reverse power supply, extends FTTx network applications, and meets the diverse requirements of an FTTdp solution.

Table 1. Comparison of FTTH, FTTB and FTTdp.

FTTH FTTB FTTdp

NetworkingOLT + level 1/level 2 splitter + ONT + (CPE)

OLT + level 1 splitter + MDU + CPE

OLT + level 1 splitter + virtual MAC + ONT + (CPE)

Commissioning

Deploy the ODN to the doorway of a user home. After taking the order, deploy fiber to the home, and install and commission the CPE

Deploy the ODN to the building and activate the MDU. After taking the order, enable the user port to bring the connection to the home using existing Category-5 cables or twisted pairs, and commission the CPE

Deploy the ODN to the building and activate the FTTdp. After taking the order, insert a user template to bring the connection to the home using existing Category-5 cables or twisted pairs, and commission the CPE

Initial Investment High Fairly high Low

Port Availability

Fairly low utilization of an optical splitterDistribute ONTs as users require

Fairly low 100%

Power Supply

Terminal are energized by home users

Shall address the issue of power supply in the corridor

Support local power supply in the corridor and reverse Power over Ethernet (PoE)



pecial Topics

ZTE’s FTTdp solution enables● flexible networking. The solution

adopts industry-leading virtual MAC technology to enable multiple ONTs to work under one MAC address. An optical module plus PON MAC can support eight PON MAC addresses. This reduces the number of optical splitters used, increases optical power budget by more than 10 dB, and makes networking more flexible. As a result, both the management and service models of FTTdp are exactly the same as those of FTTH.

● flexible access. The solution fully uses existing subscriber lines and information boxes. The equipment is installed in the information box in the corridor, and the existing Category-5 cables or twisted pairs are used to bring the connection

to the home. This addresses the difficulty of deploying fiber into the home in FTTH mode.

● flexible installation. The solution supports all kinds of information boxes, with each box covering up to 16 homes. Designed with information box, installation, and OAM in mind, FTTdp MDU is compact and easy to install.

● flexible commissioning. The solution reduces initial investment. Each user corresponds to a plug-in card, and the plug-in cards can be added or deleted according to the number of users or ports. The solution also supports automatic FTTH commissioning and provides 100% port availability. All types of user network interfaces are supported, and there are multiple choices of medium for access to home.

● flexible power supply. The solution supports both local power supply by the information box and reverse power supply.

● complete optical device monitoring and protection. Optical modules can be replaced to prevent aging. FTTdp MDU supports optical link supervision and monitors parameters such as working temperature, power voltage, bias current, transmitting/receiving power of optical modules. It also supports internal calibration, self-detecting long-lasting phosphorescence, and disabling optical modules.

● reusing the existing copper without changes to the subscriber’s home network. The solution provides high-speed access (hundreds of Mbps) to subscribers.

Figure 1. FTTdp networking.

Internet

BSS

CDN

EMS

FTTdp MDU

Home 1

Home 3

Home 2

Home 4

HG

HG

HG

HG

GE

POTS

GE

POTS

GE

POTS

GE

POTSWiFi

WiFi

WiFi

WiFi

FTTdp ONT

Multi-user Scenarios

Single-user ScenariosOLT

Splitter

IMS/SS

Application Cloud

pecial Topics


uccess StoriesS

China Mobile: Building a National

Backbone Transport Network in Western China

About China Mobile

China Mobile Communications Corporation (China Mobile) was established on April 20, 2000.

With registered capital of RMB 300 billion and assets exceeding RMB 1 trillion, currently China Mobile boasts the world’s largest mobile network and subscriber base. Having mobile telephony, data, IP telephony and multimedia services as its major lines of business, China Mobile has also been granted with the license to operate internet services and international communications access services. In addition to basic voice service, the Company also offers many value-added services such as fax, data and IP telephony. Its famous consumer brands include GoTone, Easyown and M-Zone. By the end of 2012, China Mobile had more than 1.07 million base stations and more than 700 million customers.

Seizing Opportunities

China Mobile has the world’s largest

WDM/OTN bearer network, and this network is the cornerstone of China Mobile’s mobile network. China Mobile led the way by deploying large-scale national and provincial backbone WDM networks as early as 2000. After 2006, China Mobile started building a 3G TD-SCDMA mobile network and vigorously developed key customer services. Because the existing metropolitan MSTP and backbone WDM network could not keep up with the rapid growth of data services, China Mobile took steps to deploy multilayer backbone WDM networks and metropolitan OTN networks. This improved the bearing capacity of the entire network. Since 4G LTE was deployed in 2013, the demand for data bandwidth has increased. China Mobile is determined to upgrade its 10G WDM/OTN to 100G OTN and use the 100G OTN in both backbone and metropolitan areas to handle a high volume of data.

100G OTN is a state-of-the-art optical transmission technology and has the largest capacity in the optical communications industry by far. 100G OTN is capable of 100 Gbit/s single-wave transmission and up to 8 Tbit/s single-fiber transmission. 100G OTN standards and technology have been well developed, and the world’s leading optical communications equipment vendors, including ZTE, can provide 100G solutions. A number of 100G networks are currently being operated by international carriers.

Cover Diversified EnvironmentChina Mobile’s NBN in western

China stretches from Xinjiang in the north to Hainan in the south. It operates in both sub-arctic and tropical areas. The western backbone network has G.652 and G.655 optical fibers and traverses 20 provinces. The total length of the network is 22,000 km. The network, which can be regarded as an optical

By Alateng Buhe

uccess StoriesS


uccess Storiessreduction of the cross-connect capacity usage, and protection of investments.

● optimal dispersion tolerance and PMD tolerance. With the dispersion tolerance of +/-70000ps/nm and the maximum DGD tolerance of 180 ps, 100G OTN is the optimal one in the industry, which means that it costs least under the same PMD. In addition, it needs no dispersion compensation or PMD compensation below 3500 km transmission, so as to guarantee a reliable long-distance backbone transmission.

● full service access types. 100G OTN offers various access services to meet different access requirements. 10G customer side boards support the access of 10GE-LAN/WAN/10G POS/STM-64/OTU2/2e, while 40G customer side boards support the access of 40GE-LAN/40G POS/OTU3.

● comprehensive service and system protection. ZTE developed a series of service and system protections, including SNCP-I, SNCP-N, SNCP-S, Och 1+1, OLP, OMS 1+1, Och SPring. Moreover, 100G OTN provides 4:2 shared protections, which can tolerate larger system damage.

Establish Strategic Partnership Before the launch, China Mobile

conducted many laboratory tests and weighed the strengths of vendors in terms of equipment and technology, engineering implementation, and network planning. Finally, China Mobile chose ZTE to construct the NBN in western China. The strategic partnership between China Mobile and ZTE indicates China Mobile’s recognition of ZTE’s 100G OTN R&D, engineering, and technical service capabilities and represents ZTE’s strong competitiveness in 100G OTN market.

Focus on Coastal Areas While helping China Mobile build

the NBN in western China, ZTE has also invested in coastal areas and has undertaken a 100G OTN provincial backbone project for China Mobile Zhejiang (Zhejiang Mobile).

After analyzing the current businesses and future network plans of Zhejiang Mobile, ZTE has proposed a quality 100G OTN network solution. In this solution, ZXONE 8700 CX71 is used to build the 100G OTN provincial backbone intelligent network. With 9.4T electrical cross-connect capacity, 94 service slots and 8T single-link bandwidth, ZXONE 8700 CX71 also supports the WASON intelligent control plane.

Zhejiang Mobile approved the proposal and established a strategic partnership with ZTE to build the 100G OTN provincial network.

ZTE has been an important strategic partner of China Mobile for a long time. ZTE always adheres to the philosophy of delivering quality services to customers for a win-win outcome and devotes itself to providing the best services for customers. Throughout the ten year partnership, China Mobile and ZTE have achieved a win-win situation and are stepping hand in hand towards world-class renowned enterprises. In the future, besides the traditional mobile network, ZTE is looking forward to working closer with China Mobile in other fields, helping China Mobile grow into one of the world’s top integrated carriers.

network system, has the largest span and most challenging conditions in the world.

From 2G and 3G wireless services to 4G LTE and full-service operation, the western backbone network is responsible for bearing and transmitting all China Mobile provincial services in western China. It has a strategic role in China in promoting economic development and attracting investment in the western region.

After 10 phases of construction, the single-link capacity of the western backbone network has been upgraded from the original 800G to the current 8T, achieving a leapfrog development.

Delivery Services and ValuesAdhering to the idea of “Deliver

Quality Services to Customers”, ZTE proposed 100G OTN based on ZXONE 8700 CX71. First, ZTE had to fully understand China Mobile’s requirements for the western backbone network, provide a planned solution, and provide line designs.

100G OTN has the following features: ● a combination of soft decision

and hard decision. ZXONE 8700 provides two 100G line solutions—soft decision and hard decision—for adapting to the complicated optical fiber line conditions of the western backbone network. This lowers the network construction cost while ensuring the transmission performance at the same time.

● largest number of slots and highest bandwidth utilization. ZXONE 8700 CX71 cross-connect subrack has as many as 94 100G service slots, the industry’s largest number of slots that can support a cross-connect capacity of 9.4T (the actual access capacity of 7.4T and the ratio of the customer side to the line side is 1:1). 100G OTN boasts the highest bandwidth utilization compared with the listed OTN devices from other vendors, thus contributing to the full use of backplane bandwidth resources,

WASON-capable 100G OTN network with a total length of 20,000 km


uccess StoriesS

utilizing existing site resources.ZTE’s eight-antenna LTE FDD

system uses a baseband pool B8200 and an advanced radio frequency unit R8862A (Fig. 1). The system has the following benefits:● Two cascaded R8862As are used to

reduce feeders and facilitate engineering implementation.

● An advanced interference-rejection combining (IRC) algorithm is used, and it is possible to switch between IRC and MRC algorithms.

● A closed-loop power control (CLPC) mechanism is used to reduce the transmit power of terminals. This makes terminals more energy efficient and reduces network interference.

● Antenna arrays are not arranged as

ordinary parallel dual-polarized arrays but as vertical dual-polarized arrays. This means the arrays can receive more multipaths, increase diversity gain, and improve cell-edge performance.

Xuzhou Telecom has constructed both eight-antenna and two-antenna LTE FDD sites. A total of 120 eight-antenna LTE FDD sites have been constructed. The proportion of eight-antenna LTE sites to two-antenna LTE sites is 2:8. Eight-antenna LTE sites are mainly used to provide coverage for suburbs, counties, and villages.

When selecting a site for eight-antenna LTE, Xuzhou Telecom considers whether the site makes full use of Xuzhou Telecom’s existing

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Eight-Antenna LTE FDD System of

Xuzhou Telecom By Wang Bin and Li Qianghua

China Telecom faces several problems in deploying a 4G LTE network. For example, high-

frequency networking and insufficient site resources limit the coverage of the 4G network. China Telecom has therefore chosen ZTE as its strategic partner to help solve these problems and expand 4G LTE coverage. Recently, ZTE worked with China Telecom Xuzhou Branch (Xuzhou Telecom) to test and trial an eight-antenna LTE FDD system.

LTE has limited coverage in the uplink because of high-frequency bands, high data traffic, and co-channel interference. ZTE has devised an eight-antenna LTE FDD system that uses proprietary technologies to address this coverage issue while fully


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resources, provides average coverage radius of about 1 km, and is amenable to tower-mounted installation that facilitates feeder installation.

In the first quarter of 2014, ZTE and Xuzhou Telecom jointly deployed an eight-antenna LTE FDD network in Xuzhou City. After the deployment, they conducted outdoor drive tests and indoor fixed-point tests and collected 300,000 valid samples for data analysis.

Four valid clusters were tested in Xuzhou City. The average uplink throughput reached above 35 Mpbs, which is the highest in Jiangsu province. In densely populated urban areas, the average uplink throughput of the eight-antenna LTE site was 1.2 to 1.3 times that of a two-antenna LTE site. In counties, the average uplink throughput of the eight-antenna LTE site was 1.5 to 1.8 times that of a two-antenna LTE site (Fig. 2). In the suburbs, the average uplink throughput of the eight-antenna LTE site was 1.8 to 2 times that of a two-antenna LTE site. For indoor coverage, the average uplink throughput of an eight-antenna LTE site was 1.8 to 2 times that of a two-antenna site.

The trials conducted on ZTE’s

eight-antenna LTE FDD system for Xuzhou Telecom are significant to China Telecom. The test results and engineering verification show that ZTE’s eight-antenna LTE FDD system is suitable for counties and suburbs. The gain in uplink capacity is relatively high, and site acquisition and installation is more convenient in counties and suburbs compared to dense urban areas.

Figure 1. ZTE’s eight-antenna LTE FDD system.

In June 2014, China Telecom inspected the eight-antenna LTE FDD project in Xuzhou City. The project was highly praised by the leaders and experts of the Science and Technology Committee of China Telecom. ZTE outperformed other manufacturers who participated in the project. ZTE will continue to provide innovative solutions to help China Telecom build quality 4G networks and lead LTE deployment.

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Suining 8RRLC Throughput Suining 2RRLC Throughput

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Figure 2. Average uplink throughput for an eight-antenna LTE site and two-antenna LTE site in Suining county in Jiangsu province.

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ZXTOP 510: A Complete Solution for Intelligent Network Planning and DesignBy Li Fei

With the development of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and 4G, last-mile speed has

hastened and high-bandwidth services, such as cloud computing, online video, IPTV and massively multiplayer online gaming, have become widely popular. In the mobile internet era, the rising demand for bandwidth has put a strain on the underlying optical transport network. The development of SDH to WDM, 10 GB to 100 GB, traditional to intelligent networks has ushered in an era of new, intelligent optical networks.

When launching an intelligent optical network system, ZTE provides a package of solutions for hardware devices, networking, and operation. In addition to a comprehensive, intelligent optical network hardware platform, ZTE has also developed a powerful intelligent planning software system called ZXTOP 510. This is a complete solution for intelligent network planning and design, network optimization, device configuration, performance evaluation, and fault simulation. ZXTOP 510 enables customers to easily meet the challenges of large-scale, intelligent grid networks and massive diverse service data. It

helps customers improve network planning efficiency to save cost and time during the design process.

Comprehensive ServicesZXTOP 510 fully supports OTN and

100G systems and has various functions

Figure 1. ZXTOP 510 intelligent network planning and design system.

for link design, power budgeting, encoding, and board configuration.

ZXTOP 510 has six modules: service route planning, optical-layer link design, automatic device configuration, network fault simulation, performance evaluation and optimization, and report


Optical-layer Link Design

OADM: Power, dispersion, OADM

Automatic Device Configuration

Relay, service, monitoring

OTN

Service Route Planning

IP/OTN planning

Network Fault Simulation

Fiber disconnections simulation

Report and Interface

Service route report, wavelength distribution

report, BOM

Performance Evaluation and Optimization

Overall network performance evaluation,

network solutions comparison

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and interface. The service route planning module

enables the customer to plan large-scale, multi-service, WSON-based intelligent optical networks. The module supports wavelength-level and sub-wavelength-level dynamic routing distribution and bus, ring, and mesh topology management. It enables network planning based on link physical damage and verifies the planning results so that the feasibility and accuracy of solutions are guaranteed. The module has numerous network-wide load-balancing strategies and is suitable for multi-goal network planning.

The optical-layer link design module is compatible with multiple WDM systems; for example, it supports CWDM and DWDM, covers channel rates from 2.5 Gbps to 100 Gbps, and functions in both traditional and intelligent networks. This module is used for automatic multiplex section division, OA design and dispersion compensation, and OADM design.

The automatic device configuration module has a one-click device configuration function for intelligently assigning slots, optimizing boards, and determining whether devices are reasonably configured according to the service plans and optical-layer physical limitations. Most of all, it can offer optimization suggestions for the upcoming expansion networks.

The network fault-simulation module simulates faults, such as fiber breakage, node failure, and fiber aging. It can also simulate service switching, recovery, and rerouting in different fault scenarios so that network survivability and performance can be precisely evaluated.

The performance evaluation and optimization module has intelligent multi-goal plans and algorithms for optimizing routing and wavelength along service routes. The module also evaluates network performance indicators to boost performance and save cost. A communications network is usually built and optimized in phases. ZXTOP 510 is used to plan and design the network in phases, as services grow. Capacity can be expanded efficiently, and the performance of different designs can be predicted.

The report and interface module has dozens of reports that completely describe a network planning and design solution. The module provides two-way interfaces with the NMS so that the network plan and design can be imported directly into the NMS. Actual network data in the NMS can also be imported into the network planning and design system for optimization and incremental design. To generate bidding BOMs and prices, the report and interface module supports interfaces with the contract and quotation system. Moreover, it supports interfaces with the logistics system to collect the board quantity of each type (with wavelength granularity), allocate material codes, calculate the amount of output, and assist in precise material preparation.

High-Performance Planning and Optimization Algorithms

As network scale increases, network planning tends to become more difficult. Wavelength routing is a typical issue in NPC and needs to be addressed during optical network planning. Planning

for hybrid optical-layer and electric-layer in an intelligent optical network is increasingly complex. An efficient core algorithm for the planning software system is necessary to address this issue. ZXTOP 510 provides an efficient wavelength routing planning algorithm with abundant options for a variety of complicated environments and scenarios. The corresponding solutions can be provided rapidly.

When an intelligent optical network operates for some time, existing services may need to be adjusted; network equipment may be aged; new services may be added; and network topology may be changed. All these events can affect network performance and efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize existing networks. However, network optimization is complicated because of scale and complexity. ZXTOP 510 provides a special high-performance heuristic optimization algorithm to overcome these difficulties.

ConclusionZXTOP 510 is highly efficient

and has comprehensive functions—it is a complete transmission network solution. ZXTOP 510 has already been successfully used in many countries and regions in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. The big three carriers in China—China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom—have also been deploying an increasing number of intelligent ZTE optical products in their networks. As intelligent optical networking gains momentum across the world, ZTE will continue to deliver first-class solutions and excellent service to customers.

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ZTE’s New-Generation

OTN SolutionsBy Zhu Xuetao

Challenges for OTN

In the booming mobile internet era, operators are facing huge opportunities and challenges.

The demand for mobile bandwidth is growing exponentially as a result of the wide deployment of LTE networks. In the fixed broadband segment, video services such as IPTV and HDTV have driven a huge demand for bandwidth. China has unveiled a national broadband plan and has drawn up a specific timetable for greatly improving user access bandwidth. In recent years, governments and enterprises have experienced rapidly growing demand for bandwidth. Addressing bandwidth overlapping is the biggest challenge for mobile operators.

Mobile operators are also troubled by the “scissors difference” phenomenon. They have to invest heavily in network construction every year to respond to enormous bandwidth growth. They also must face slow growth in revenues and squeezed profits. Improving network resource utilization and reducing network deployment and maintenance costs constitute a second group of important challenges for mobile operators.

Moreover, user experience is of vital importance in a fiercely-competitive market. Only a high-quality optical transport network (OTN) can ensure high-speed user experience anytime, anywhere. Quick service deployment, flexible service scheduling, and service security constitute a third important group of challenges for mobile operators.

ZTE’s Future-Proof New-Generation OTN Solutions

With a deep understanding of operator requirements, ZTE has rolled out future-oriented new-generation OTN solutions that cover all network layers (Fig. 1). The solutions help operators build a high-bandwidth, high-efficiency, high-speed, highly flexible, secure, intelligent transport network.

Figure 1. ZTE’s future-proof new-generation OTN solutions.

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IP Backbone

OTN Backbone

OTN Core Layer

OTN Edge LayerPTNaccess

Core Router

100G/Ultra 100G

Packet Enhanced OTN

WASON

Compact

SDN

PIC

Optical/Electrical Cross-Connect

OLT

SR/BRAS

VIP

VIP

VIP

Switch eNB 3G/2G BSResidential

AR

CE


Core Backbone LayerIn the core backbone layer of an

OTN, upper-layer routers or PTN devices are evolving to have high-speed ports. Current routers usually provide 10G or 40G ports, and 100G ports are gradually being put into commercial use. OTN serves as a bottom-layer transport platform that needs to adapt to the evolution of ports of upper-layer devices; therefore, 100G OTN has gradually become the only choice for the core backbone layer, and 400G OTN will be unveiled for commercial use. Although large-capacity OTN improves system capacity and spectrum efficiency, traditional OTN provides rigid-bandwidth pipes that make it difficult to optimize service management and maximize transmission. Therefore, incorporating packet functions into an OTN platform can improve bandwidth efficiency and network flexibility.

Moreover, the WASON intelligent control plane can further improve OTN intelligence, reduce OAM difficulty, and ensure service security through a unique protection mechanism. In the future, WASON will smoothly evolve into software-defined network (SDN) architecture that can dynamically adjust optical transmission resources through software to further improve network efficiency.

100G and Ultra 100G OTNZTE’s 100G OTN solution adopts

coherently-detected PM-QPSK and industry-leading DSP algorithm. It also supports SD-FEC and HD-FEC.

The solution has superior transmission performance that enables a radio repeater transmission distance of over 3500 km without the need for chromatic dispersion compensation and PMD compensation. This saves investment and makes OAM easier. An advanced 28 nm AISC chip is also used to improve system integration and greatly reduce power consumption. ZTE’s 100G OTN solution has been widely applied around the world.

ZTE’s ultra 100G OTN solution uses industry-leading QAM and multi-carrier technologies. The solution is capable of long-haul transmission of 11.2T, 24 × 1.3T, 40 × 400G, and 20 × 440G with a single channel. ZTE has also cooperated with German Telecom to complete a 1750 km ultra-long-distance hybrid transmission of 100G, 400G, and 1T signals in Germany.

Ultra-Large-Capacity Packet OTNZTE’s new-generation ultra-large-

capacity packet OTN solution (ZXONE 9700) is designed for a shared 100G and ultra 100G platform. Based on the general-purpose cell cross-connect platform, ZXONE 9700 provides a converged optical packet layer architecture that supports unified wavelength, OTN, and packet cross-connect platform and provides both rigid and flexible transmission pipes.

A single ZXONE 9700 subrack provides the largest cross-connect capacity and the largest number of slots in the industry. The electrical cross-connect capacity of 14.4T (72 slots) can be smoothly evolved into 28.8T, and

the current transmission rate of 100G can be smoothly increased to 400G.

Intelligent WASON and SDNZTE’s intelligent solutions include

WASON and SDN. The WASON solution (ZXUCP A200) based on an optical and electrical cross-connect platform can automatically update and maintain network information and schedule traffic for effective end-to-end service configuration. This reduces manpower. As the core-layer network topology is evolving toward MESH, ZXUCP A200 can also provide multiple classes of services and protect against fiber disconnection in order to greatly improve network security. The SDN solution uses software to control a network. The network architecture consists of application layer, control layer, and transport layer. Leveraging the advantages of WASON and PCE, the control layer can be smoothly evolved to SDN architecture. The transport layer based on software-defined optical (SDO) and fex-grid technologies enables groupware, devices and the network to be programmable and adaptable to changes in services and scenarios.

MAN Edge Layer There are many mobile sites at the

MAN edge layer. The communication distance between these sites is short, and the sites are usually located in remote areas with poor equipment rooms. Therefore, it takes a long time to deploy services, and maintenance work is also difficult. To address these issues, ZTE has launched miniature

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OTN and PIC solutions.

Miniature OTN ZTE’s new-generation miniature

OTN solution (ZXMP M721) can meet transport requirements at the MAN edge layer in terms of traffic grooming, transport performance, maintenance management, reliable operation, and energy conservation. ZXMP M721 is small but has large capacity. It consumes less power and is highly reliable.

ZXMP M721 provides 1U or 2U sub-racks, supports either an AC or DC power supply, and can adapt to harsh conditions in equipment rooms. It has powerful functions such as any-service access, distributed electrical cross-connect platform, and flexible service scheduling and grooming. Each board of a ZXMP M721 has built-in protection for service security and saves valuable slot resources as well.

PICTraditional OTNs encompass

semiconductor lasers, optical

modulators, detectors, optical amplifiers, optical waveguides, and optical filters. These components are distributed on different boards and make traditional OTNs cumbersome, complicated, and costly. PIC technology integrates the distributed optical components into a single chip.

ZTE’s PIC solution integrates traditional eight-channel lasers, modulators, PIN receivers, eight-channel optical combiners, splitters, broadband filters into a single chip. The chip functions as an eight-channel transponder and a MUX/DMUX in the traditional WDM system (Fig. 2).

With the PIC solution, a single board is capable of multiplexing, demultiplexing, sending, and receiving of multichannel signals. This significantly reduces the number of fiber connections, saves space in equipment rooms at the MAN edge layer, and lowers power consumption.

ConclusionZTE has unveiled new-generation

Figure 2. ZTE’s PIC solution.

OTN solutions that cover all network layers, from backbone to edge. The 100G and ultra 100G, packet OTN, WASON, and SDN solutions are designed for the core backbone layer, and the miniature OTN and PIC solutions are used for the MAN edge layer. These solutions not only meet high-bandwidth and high-speed transport needs but also provide flexible communication pipes. This greatly improves transmission efficiency and helps operators build a truly flexible new-generation OTN.

In the future, the new-generation OTN will evolve towards ultra 100G and SDN that can provide service awareness, rapid deployment, instant bandwidth, and easy maintenance and control while delivering a higher rate transmission. The new-generation OTN solution will offer better user experience and help operators continually reduce opex and create new profit models. ZTE is committed to helping operators build an open, flexible, and efficient OTN in the cloud era.

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By Benny Har-Even Jun 23, 2014Source: lteconference.wordpress.com

ZTE Is the Fastest Growing of the World’s Top Three LTE Suppliers

The 10th LTE World Summit was held at the RAI in Amsterdam from 23rd to 25th June 2014.

It was an important event and brought together the leading operators, content providers, analysts, associations and vendors within the LTE industry. Tech journalist Benny Har-Even interviewed Zhang Jianguo, VP of ZTE Corporation at the summit.

Q: In recent years the global market for LTE network deployment and construction has grown quickly. What has ZTE been doing in terms of LTE?

A: ZTE has signed 145 LTE\EPC

contracts and are one of the world’s top three LTE suppliers. At present we are in approximately 70% of countries that have invested in LTE. We have successfully launched commercial LTE services for operators including Bharti, China Mobile, China Telecom, Hutchison, Softbank, Telenor, TeliaSonera, VimpelCom, and Vodafone.

In the international market, ZTE is working with VimpelCom, KPN, Telenor and other multinational telecom operators in the development of commercial LTE networks in Russia, Belgium and Hungary. In addition, we are helping major international operators implement commercial 4G strategies and build high-quality networks.

According to a recent IHS report, ZTE became the fastest-growing LTE supplier, and the third largest, with over 100,000 LTE eNodeB shipments, accounting for 17.9% of the global LTE market.

ZTE is also the largest LTE solution provider in China. At the end of 2013 China began the construction of its 4G infrastructure and by mid-2014 had already witnessed the construction of more LTE networks than most countries in the world, only behind the USA, Japan, and South Korea. The sheer size and speed of construction in China has taken

the industry and the world by surprise. In the bid for the China Mobile Phase

1 4G-LTE project, ZTE secured 26% of the business. In China Telecom’s bid for major 4G LTE network equipment, ZTE’s LTE products were adopted for 90% of the provinces, accounting for nearly 40% of the tender. In addition, ZTE built core networks for 15 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions, and ranked first in the market share for both wireless and core networks.

By 2016, China will be the global center of LTE construction, which puts ZTE in a strong position for further overseas expansion.

Q: Why has ZTE been so successful in achieving this growth in the 4G market?

A: We believe that our success is based on a strong focus on understanding customer demands, the ability to respond rapidly, continuous innovation through a strong focus on R&D, and the ability to provide cost-effective but efficient and high -quality solutions.

Through the market ups and downs of the last 25 years, ZTE has consistently spent 10% of revenues on R&D, keeping us at the forefront of


Zhang Jianguo, VP of ZTE Corporation

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the industry in technical knowledge and development. We are focused on technical innovation that improves lean operation and delivers lower overall costs for operators, and we have a focus on sharing platforms to enhance product competitiveness and help our customers gain market advantages. For operators, ZTE also specializes in enhancing partnerships in TD-LTE with first-class operators such as China Mobile, Softbank, and Bharti.

In addition, ZTE works with the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI) to promote global TD-LTE application and to convert industry-leading product advantages into market advantages. For FDD-LTE, ZTE will continue to focus on major markets and operators, further explore existing markets, and optimize the market structure to enter more markets.

Q: What advantages do you think ZTE’s LTE products have over your competition?

A: ZTE is driven to achieve independent innovation, and has 13% of the total required patents in the 4G LTE industry. ZTE hopes to use those innovations to lower communication network costs for operators, and to provide better services for users at the end of the industry chain.

More operators have started deploying LTE networks around the world, and they are facing two major challenges: high bearer requirements of LTE networks, and complicated LTE network interference. ZTE’s pioneering cloud radio solution, which achieves intra-eNodeB and inter-eNodeB physical-layer collaboration in LTE networks, addresses the interference problems caused by co-channel and heterogeneous LTE networks, optimizes

network performance, and maximizes user experience.

Incorporating over 200 patents and more than 20 innovations, we believe that the cloud radio solution is technically the most sophisticated and conceptually the most cutting-edge coordination solution for radio access networks in the mobile communications field. It has lower requirements for bearer networks than the standard coordination solution but can still deliver over 90% coordination performance gains, allowing operators to achieve significant traffic performance gains with much lower bandwidth costs. In May 2014, ZTE and China Mobile in Fujian province won the 2014 Global Telecoms Business Innovation award for wireless network infrastructure innovation with the cloud radio solution for TD-LTE networks.

Operators face a series of networking problems (for example, poor network coverage due to insufficient sites) when deploying high-frequency 4G LTE networks. To solve these problems, ZTE has launched an LTE network coverage enhancement solution that meets the coverage enhancement requirements for 4-antenna reception and 8-antenna reception by using the most compact multi-antenna RRU in the industry. ZTE’s multi-antenna coverage enhancement solution is easily deployed and significantly enhances frequency efficiency, improves network performance, and provides better user experience. This solution has been proven in China Telecom’s large and complex networks. ZTE and China Telecom won the Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation award for the multi-antenna LTE coverage enhancement solution at the GTB Innovation Awards ceremony on May 14.

ZTE provides a full series of industry-leading LTE eNodeBs, including distributed eNodeBs, indoor and outdoor macro eNodeBs, and small cells, to meet operator deployment requirements in different scenarios. ZTE first launched the 365 Mbps ultra-wideband miniaturised RRU product (12L, 12 kg, 2T2R, 2 × 80 W), which we believe is the most highly integrated device in the industry and provides more flexible multi-RAT networking solutions. ZTE launched a BBU with the smallest size and largest capacity in the industry. This product supports multiple RATs, including GSM, UMTS, LTE FDD, and TD-LTE, and can meet the processing capacity of commercial networks and operator requirements for multi-RAT deployment.

In addition, ZTE is bringing the convenience of wireless broadband networks to some professional fields by providing innovative solutions. For example, on April 16, the ATG demonstration was performed on two


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Chinese flights, which indicates that ZTE has broken the limitations of telecommunications technologies at the speed of 800–1000 km/h in the air. ZTE is conducting technical research and innovations to make it possible for people to access mobile communications networks on a plane in the coming years.

Q: What has ZTE been achieving with operator network construction outside China?

A: ZTE’s aim is to become a strategic partner for operators worldwide. Many commercial networks built by ZTE are providing industry-leading performance, gaining recognition for their performance in major third-party assessments. For example, Hong Kong’s CSL ranked first in an independent network performance indicator test, H3G Austria was given the highest score in a third-party KPI test, and Base Belgium ranked first in a third-party assessment.

The network construction and delivery of major projects such as the Telenor Hungary and German E-Plus projects, have been highly praised by customers. In May 2014, ZTE and China Mobile Fujian won the GTB Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation award for the TD-LTE network deployed using the cloud radio solution, and ZTE and China Telecom also won the same award for the multi-antenna LTE coverage enhancement solution. ZTE was also awarded “Supplier of the Year 2013” by E-Plus in Germany, which is a subsidiary of the Dutch KPN Group.

Q: There has been a lot of discussion about 5G recently. What is ZTE’s view on 5G?

A: 5G research is still in the initial stages. It is focused on user requirements, scenario analysis, and possible technology development trends. Future 5G technologies will focus on

large capacity (1,000-fold capacity), low delay (less than 5 ms), and multiservice support. The 1,000-fold capacity improvement will become a special focus for the industry. ZTE has been conducting research on these issues and has formulated a number of opinions.

ZTE views the future of 5G networks as more of an evolution than a revolution. Post-4G development can also be included in 5G research. Based on existing technologies, future 5G networks will focus more on technical integration and user experience. By integrating the achievements of IEEE wireless access technologies and IT technologies, 5G networks will truly become intelligent and integrated ICT mobile communications network platforms. Compared with previous generations, future 5G technologies may not include a new transitional technology as a distinct feature. The research on 5G networks will focus on user requirements and the selection of solutions based on each separate scenario. 5G networks will be intelligent networks that integrate multiple wireless technologies, and the scenarios will be defined, and services selected, based on user and service requirements.

ZTE has proposed technical ideas, such as the cloud-based network architecture, cloud radio networking, and SDA multiservice air interface adaptation, for the future development of 5G. The future of 5G is an open ecosystem, and ZTE is working closely with the industry to contribute to the future development of 5G networks.

In addition, ZTE is investing more strategic resources in 5G, and undertaking activities in major technology research, product prototype development, system simulation, and patent reserves.

LTE


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