STL [NSE: STLTECH], an industry-leading integrator of digital networks, today announced that it has successfully completed a proof-of-concept (PoC) for its programmable FTTx (pFTTx) software solutions with Chunghwa Telecom’s open broadband access network. The PoC collaboration demonstrated how STL’s fully virtualized OLT software stack will enable Chunghwa to upgrade its Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) to XGS-PON (10 Gig Symmetric PON) – a fibre access technology for symmetric broadband speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This successfully establishes pFTTx as a fully cloud native, disaggregated and open networking compliant solution for last mile fixed access.
Chunghwa Telecom is the largest integrated telecommunication service provider in Taiwan. As they are looking to evolve FTTx, they are adopting a virtualized, disaggregated and open access technology, STL’s pFTTx – a virtual OLT (Optical Line Terminal) software stack enables Chunghwa to transform their FTTx network into a cloud native network architecture. pFTTx leverages white box partner hardware to provide a feature rich solution. The trial further established connectivity with Chunghwa’s commercial network demonstrating use cases such as BNG (Broadband Network Gateway) integration and live IPTV server integration.
STL’s open source system allows Chunghwa Telecom to use devices and software from different providers, rather than being constrained by single vendor lock-ins. The successful Proof of Concept (PoC) and live network integration has firmly established STL’s open networking compliant approach as an alternative to monolithic, proprietary solutions for fixed access. By enabling programmability at the core of the network and decoupling white-box hardware from software, STL’s pFTTx software stack brings more flexibility, cost efficiency and service excellence to edge networks.
Chris Rice, CEO, Access Solutions, STL, said: “Virtualisation, disaggregation and openness, both in the wired and wireless domains, will shape the network landscape in the coming years. We are very glad to announce the successful integration of STL’s virtualised OLT software stack (pFTTx) into Chunghwa Telecom’s broadband access network. This successful Proof of Concept will go a long way in building and scaling open, disaggregated wired access networks, that will be critical in delivering 5G use cases to millions of customers.”
Dr. Lin, the President of Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories, notes that: “To effectively consolidate the potential of development, production, and marketing, while leveraging the technical capability to build a robust ecosystem, is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for Chunghwa Telecom. Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories embraces open networking standards and will continue our collaboration with software/hardware partners in exploring the advantages of network infrastructure and cloud architecture.”
About STL – Sterlite Technologies Ltd:
STL is an industry-leading integrator of digital networks.
Our fully 5G ready digital network solutions help telcos, cloud companies, citizen networks, and large enterprises deliver enhanced experiences to their customers. STL provides integrated 5G ready end-to-end solutions range from wired to wireless, design to deployment, and connectivity to compute. Our core capabilities lie in Optical Interconnect, Virtualised Access Solutions, Network Software, and System Integration.
We believe in harnessing technology to create a world with next-generation connected experiences that transform everyday living. With a global patent portfolio of 565 to our credit, we conduct fundamental research in next-generation network applications at our Centre of Excellence. STL has a strong global presence with next-gen optical preform, fibre, cable, and interconnect subsystem manufacturing facilities in India, Italy, China, and Brazil, along with two software-development centres across India and a data centre design facility in the UK.
