ADTRAN aims to double broadband headline speeds

Broadband access specialist ADTRAN has introduced a new technology to maximise existing copper wire infrastructure and deliver higher headline speeds in the EMEA region. Frequency Division Vectoring (FDV) provides operators with the ability to optimise the use of G.fast and VDSL2 technologies.

FDV works by enabling the two technologies to better coexist and work together across a single subscriber line in the network. By doing so, higher headline speeds can be achieved in short range, high density areas near the cabinet. As a consequence, Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC) infrastructure can be optimised and investments can be future-proofed.

ADTRAN claims that by bringing fibre closer to the customer, data rates for intermediate-rate services could double, and deliver cheaper, premium broadband to more subscribers. The development and necessity for FDV can be attributed to 2 main areas: exponential growth in data consumption, and a higher concentration of cable operators in competitive markets.

Speaking to Telecoms.com, Ronan Kelly, Director of Product Management for EMEA at ADTRAN, believes that FDV is best utilised in highly competitive markets.

“Without infrastructure-based competition, we don’t get investment in next generation technologies, unless there’s an external force causing it, like government pressure or regulation”, he said. “The markets where there has been a lot of interest in FDV are the markets that have recently gone through VDSL2 and they’ve probably gone through vectoring too. They’re still in the face of competition from cable and looking for something to either defend against existing competition or scare off future competition.”

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Kelly also went on to explain why FDV is well placed to serve higher density urban areas, with a high concentration of subscribers: “FDV is based on standards, and it’s not proprietary in that sense. Where FDV is in its sweet spot is 300m from the premises or less, where it gives you the highest headline speeds. That’s important when it comes to the customers’ decision making process about switching. If you’re trying to compete using headline speeds, and you’ve got a network where the bulk of your customer base is in a relatively short and addressable loop, FDV is the right tool for that.”

Earlier this year, ADTRAN completed the integration of NSN’s Broadband Access team, which it acquired in 2012. Thanks to the acquisition, ADTRAN’s international presence has more than doubled in the past 3 years.