Dark Fiber

TMCnet Contributor

PCT International, an Arizona-based provider of last mile and access network solutions for broadband communications networks, reportedly has added a new suite of optical network passive components to its EQ Link fiber solution, so called “EQ Link passives,” for speedy deployment of cellular backhaul services.

Specially designed to speed up cable operator deployment of cellular backhaul services, the new EQ Link passives helps these operators to capitalize more quickly on the growing cellular backhaul market.

According to PCT, its EQ Link is an optical Ethernet transport and distribution platform that offers a reliable and cost effective delivery mechanism for broadband data services over optical fiber, such as private and virtual Ethernet lines. This product family incorporates many choices for optical transceivers, GigE and FastE bandwidth options, and a variety of configurations such as single or multiple copper hand-offs.

 

PCT’s latest EQ Link passives incorporate a wide variety of CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) multiplexers and filters. These passives have been designed for use in head-ends or in field installations.

 

In a release, officials at PCT said the new offering will enable cable operators to leverage the company's substantial fiber and HFC network expertise, in order to create single-source solutions that accelerate the rollout of cellular backhaul deployments.

 

PCT said that the new EQ Link passive elements could be configured to meet the needs of individual cable system operators as well. All these elements are designed with 1310nm pass-through ports, which allow operators to preserve traditional HFC (hybrid fibre-coaxial) video services.

 

Moreover, the new suite features high adjacent channel isolation, in order to eliminate interference and wide pass-band performance. This guarantees stable operation in situations where temperatures vary widely.

 

In the release, Brandon Wilson, executive vice president, product management and marketing for PCT International (News - Alert), said "Cellular backhaul represents significant revenue potential for the cable industry, but operators understandably have been careful to ensure that fiber rollouts do not disrupt existing video service."

 

Wilson added: "By combining our expertise in fiber with our deep understanding of cable operators' needs, we've been able to develop solutions that can generate new revenue while preserving the service assurances our customers require."

 

According to ABI Research (News - Alert), the market for cellular backhaul is expected to reach $23 billion by 2012.

 

PCT International said that it would be showcasing its optical fiber solutions at the up-coming SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in Denver.

 

PCT's portfolio includes transmission and connectivity products for the broadband, CATV, satellite and structured wiring markets.