Amedia throws hat in Ethernet access fray

The newly re-christened Amedia Networks is launching its fiber-to-the-premises solution this week, adding its vote to the growing number of companies that claim passive optical networks are less operationally efficient than Ethernet switched solutions with active elements.

The company, which until recently was known as TTR, has developed its QoStream FTTP system based on what it’s calling Ethernet Switched Optical Network (ESON) technology. The result gives carriers the ability to deliver ultra-broadband services that include high-speed Internet access, high definition and standard definition video and voice over IP services.

Initially, the company is targeting municipalities, independent telcos and educational environments, said Frank Galuppo, CEO of Amedia.

Additionally, the company is relying on a close association with Lucent Technologies, where Galuppo was head of the optical group. Much of the technology is licensed from Lucent’s Bell Labs, though Amedia is putting the finishing touches on it.

"We definitely have benefited from Bell Labs presenting this technology around the world," Galuppo said. "These are designed from the beginning to be carrier class products."

The architecture consists of a premises gateway (officially labeled the PG1000), the AS5000 aggregation switch, the CS1200 core switch and management software based on SNMP. Like others that are pushing for active elements in the optical access network, Amedia believes its design is more cost effective from an operational perspective.

"It’s a much more efficient use of bandwith [compared to PONs]," said William Zakowski, vice president of business development for Amedia. "We also can deliver guarantees that can’t be delivered of passive optical networks."

While the company faces an uphill fight with large U.S. carriers, one of the most aggressive elements of its system may be yet to come. On its gateway the company plans to move toward a wireless interface, allowing users to transmit high-speed data and video via unlicensed spectrum. While some vendors have talked about the idea in concept stage the logistics of moving enough bandwidth across something like Wi-Fi has proven difficult.

"We’re going to make a strong statement toward getting on the path to the wireless home," Galuppo said.