Nokia Demo 1Gbps Wireless PON Broadband Tech as Alternative to FTTP

Nokia says they will become the first to demonstrate a hybrid Wireless Passive Optical Network (PON) solution at the Broadband World Forum in Berlin, which can offer up to 1Gbps broadband speeds to homes by harnessing both an optical fibre network and WiGig’s 60GHz wireless standard (802.11ad).

The mix sounds like a different take on existing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions. Nokia says the units can be easily mounted to telegraph poles, street lights or a building facade. “The solution uses beamforming to bring connections of up to 1Gbps to Nokia WPON home units located up to 300 meters away on the outside of a building or home.”

The technology also has the ability to connect multiple access points in a row or create a meshed network. Nokia says “operators can now bring fibre to a street corner or neighbourhood instead of a building and avoid the costs of adding subscribers.” We should point out that the WiGig standard can push data rates of up to 8Gbps, although the 60GHz band makes it very susceptible to distance and interference.

Julie Kunstler, Ovum Principal Analyst, said:

“The push for broadband connectivity in underserved and remote rural areas, and the need to fill gaps in urban and suburban wireline broadband coverage, are creating renewed interest in the use of fixed wireless access (FWA). Solutions like Nokia’s WPON help operators competitively service target areas, whether in urban, suburban or rural locations.

With Nokia’s WPON, operators can quickly connect new subscribers and easily transition them to higher-value FTTP-based services in the future.

Federico Guillén, President of Nokia’s Fixed Networks Group, said:

“Multi-technology strategies are key to helping operators quickly roll out new ultra-broadband services to more people. Leveraging advancements made in today’s wireless technologies, we’re demonstrating how operators can use a wireless drop alternative to effectively deliver fiber-like speeds to customers.

Nokia’s new Wireless PON solution will introduce FTTx options that operators can use to enhance the way customers experience their broadband services. With a strong portfolio across all FTTx technologies including fiber, DSL, cable and wireless, Nokia has the experience it takes to deliver these multi-technology broadband networks and make the business case work.”

Nokia is also working to bring several other FWA technologies to the market, such as FastMile and 5G to the Home. The company intends to fully demonstrate and showcase their WPON solution at the Nokia Booth (E104) during the Broadband World Forum in Berlin between October 24-26th.