The next generation of networks

Draka’s Edgar Aker shares his views on why Next Generation Networks need a systematic mix of planning, automation and sustainable energy factors.

“UK efforts being made to smoothen regulatory issues, green field approaches to underdeveloped parts of cities and rural areas, are encouraging. Now is the time to focus on the cost metrics of passive infrastructures”
-Edgar Aker, Director Marketing & Products Management, Draka Communications Telecom Solutions

Governments worldwide are planning new investments in greener infrastructure, including fibre, to lay the foundations for stronger economies. With Next Generation Networks (NGNs), there's only one way to go, faster. Internet users making do with 4 MB/s DSL downstream, and 100kB/s upstream on current 'Broadband' networks have yet to experience the buzz of a 100 MB/s symmetrical signal on a Next Generation Network. The unspoken weakness of DSL is that too much emphasis is placed on downstream. Upstream is essential for a growing number of applications linked to Web 2.0, videoconferencing, tele-working through VPN connection, multimedia interactivity and high-value content applications such as online gaming. NGNs based on fibre open the way to symmetrical bandwidth with up- and down streams easily up to 1 GB/s.

Having symmetrical up- and downstream enables numerous services from eLearning, eHealth, eEntertainment , all substantial improvements from current web-based services  ingrained in business and consumer processes. Fibre Infrastructure build-out, the next big thing, requires serious levels of finance and investment. Most of Europe's FTTH projects are driven by new operators, municipalities and utility companies; supported, actively or passively, by governments and local authorities. The UK government has NGN firmly on the agenda and is one of the first European governments with a plan for activity and funding. But then, perhaps it should. Japan is some 10 years ahead of Europe, the US some 4 years, according to analyst Heavy Reading in a recent report 'FTTH maturity'. Of the current 240 NGN projects, all are in European mainland countries.

Passive approach

Draka's business is building passive network infrastructures using advanced fiber optics.The groundswell of enthusiasm in the UK, efforts being made to smoothen regulatory issues and a green field approach to underdeveloped parts of cities and rural areas are encouraging, summarized in the 'Digital Britain' report by Lord Carter. Now is the right time to focus on the cost metrics of passive infrastructures.

The challenge is that no two NGN projects are the same, as local city/municipality conditions vary considerably. Amsterdam, a Draka showcase with its canals, and soft soil, Paris with its miles-long sewers, and a total greenfield site in the desert of Qatar, create radically different deployment challenges. Hands-on experience of installations in major cities benefits all partners in a project consortium, with a high degree of standardisation, predictability and deployment practices.

Draka researchers see NGN materials infrastructure expenditure accounting for 15-20%  of a total FTTH project. Our methodology manages CAPEX and  OPEX,reducing the total cost of operations throughout the passive value chain. By re-engineering, we ensure the most cost effective fiber delivery per consumer.

Investors get the best deal

Draka's combination of smart software, connectivity, cabling and logistics expertise, covers all local environment access issues (aerial, direct buried, micro-duct or sewer system) to design, plan and put into place fibre networks. Add to this a full bill of material, final network registration and ongoing maintenance. This approach considers the multiple cost parameters and metrics, tuned to meet local site conditions. Removing the guesswork from NGN build-out results in a high level of financial accountability to accommodate investor concerns.

Sustainable factors

Draka addresses both public and industry concerns for sustainable development, exemplified by bend-friendly and high performance fibers and the miniaturisation of fiber infrastructure components that help reduce carbon footprint and energy costs. BendBright-XS fiber, complying to new ITU recognized standards, is re-shaping the deployment process for next generation networks while stimulating trends that allow higher fiber density in tighter spaces. Ease of handling, a significant factor in facilitating optical network roll-outs, reduces energy consumption, material costs and project man-hours.

Amsterdam, a Draka FTTH showcase with its canals, and soft soil. Zeeburg, shown here is being regenerated in the same way as the Docklands area in the UK.

In 2006 Amsterdam began constructing a city-wide, fibre optic network. Phase one of the Citynet project now covers 40,000 households

A contract partner since participating in the open tender in 2006,  Draka developed a customer made solution for Citynet based upon a Fibre to the Home (FTTH) concept fitting to the soft Dutch soil and specific high density city and medium rise environment applications. Today Citynet is moving steadily towards the implementation of the infrastructure in three fast-developing  central Amsterdam areas which have similar characteristics to Docklands in London.

Amsterdam's municipal authorities decided to investigate the possibilities of a super-fast communications network. The network was intended not only to strengthen the vital ICT sector, which is dependent on a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, but also based on Social Economical benefits to underdeveloped ares of the city and in time make it accessible to Amsterdam's 740,000 inhabitants.

In planning the network, the municipality had an open network in mind, with free rein for competition and the market. This would help create a favourable environment for the development of new and innovative services, for example in education and health care, resulting in a positive impact on Amsterdam's economy and competitive position.

"Working as a team with other partners in the CitNet project over the last three years has been a tremendous experience for Draka," says Edgar Aker. "It  provides the recognition that Draka can contribute to the project management, implementation (project execution) and impact on Total Cost of Operations of large scale projects as well as manufacturing and delivering essential fibre infrastructure."

Draka's software suite can help a designer put together the most complex of FTTH networks with full  details down to street level. Cost simulations for all of the  project components including labour, time and materials can be displayed and used for simulations as the project progresses.

Edgar Aker, Director Marketing & Products Management, Draka Communications Telecom Solutions, is responsible for product management and innovation for cable and FTTH solutions in telecommunication. He held various positions within Draka over a decade, worked in areas like energy cables for low voltage applications, data communication in the market segment Industry. He is a core team member, developing strategic assessments for Draka data communications activities.