Technology trial perfect match for Layer 2 vision

Technology trial perfect match for Layer 2 vision

A series of trials to test the latest ultra-fast broadband technology available to the New Zealand market are being conducted by Vector and Northpower.

Fibre based G-PON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology is the fastest and lowest cost way to transmit data across fibre networks – making fibre accessible to the mass market – while lowering costs in fibre network builds by allowing multiple (32) fibre to the door connections from a single end-point.

It also uses less energy, is only at the beginning of its lifecycle and has been successfully integrated in fibre networks by Vector and Northpower for several years. The latest trials are to assess new technologies and benchmark them against those already used by Vector and Northpower.

In fact Passive Optical Network technology is the most widely used fibre access technology in the world today and is broadly utilised in countries like USA and Singapore. Australia will follow suit under the proposed NBN construct. The alternative to G-PON technology is Point to Point which is designed for large businesses and only allows for single network connections.

Vector and Northpower expect the trials of equipment and associated support systems from four G-PON vendors to be complete later this year, research which could benefit all New Zealand Regional Fibre Group members.

Vector Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says the field trials will establish product suitability in meeting the requirements of an open-access Layer 2 fibre network now mandated under the Government's ultra-fast broadband initiative.

The companies believe such testing is important in the lead-up to Government decision time around preferred partners for the UFBI.

With Vector positioning itself as the logical choice to build Auckland’s fibre network and Northpower the Whangarei network, the companies say it is critical to be armed with the best products and techniques to ensure quality and efficiency of rollout.

Mr Mackenzie says the UFBI is the biggest infrastructural investment New Zealand will make this century – much like electricity was 100 years ago – and it is vital to “get it right”.

Which is why be believes being largely community owned is such a resounding reason to give the UFB build to NZRFG members like Vector.

“We will ensure that the Government investment stays local, goes back into the community and supports New Zealand citizens – instead of going to foreign shareholders.”

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After a decade in the fibre world, Mr Mackenzie says Vector has an extensive fibre network in and around Auckland and says as a utility specialist, fibre builds are a natural fit.

“Fibre is what we do day in, day out and we increasingly take it to the door.

“It is a very successful business for us and holds big opportunities not just for Vector but also for our partners and customers due to the business efficiencies it creates. Fibre is the way of the world and the way of the future, that’s why we decided to invest 10 years ago when others were saying there was no need.

“Some are still pinning their hopes on copper, yet that is fast reaching capacity,” says Mr Mackenzie.

Meanwhile, Northpower continues to leverage its fully operational PON Layer 2 FTTD network, having just connected its first residential consumers in the Kensington network expansion. The company’s fibre manager, Darren Mason, says commercial customers have benefitted from the FTTD network since early last year.

“We are a strong example of a regional fibre specialist - like so many of the NZRFG members - utilising existing aerial assets to build cost effective infrastructure. We have built over 100km of fibre and have a number of local and national retailers now using our network,” says Mr Mason.

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