Quantum Bridge expands optic network portfolio

(Telephony) Quantum Bridge Communications has added a wireless component to its passive optical network (PON) portfolio by adding free-space optics vendors AirFiber and Lightpointe to its Access Alliance partner program.

Quantum Bridge provides optical access systems designed to overcome bandwidth bottlenecks. Its Access Alliance, created last year, forges partnerships with integrated access device (IAD) vendors and developers of multitenant unit (MTU)-located access devices to promote and co-market interoperable products.

When combined with Quantum Bridge’s optical networking, free-space optics speed network deployment by overcoming geographical obstacles and enabling redundancy. The free-space optics serve as a high-capacity WAN uplink to remote optical systems and provide time-to-market advantages by bridging the gap between the fiber-rich environments and the carrier’s point of presence (POP).

That over-the-air connection will help service providers reach a greater swath of customers beyond the initial MTU targets, said Quantum Bridge spokesman Todd Cabral.

“You can fan out services to not only serve that MTU with Ethernet and data and T-1 voice services but also fan out fiber based on PON to smaller business and really capture the entire market in the area,” Cabral said.

The new ingredient lets the service provider “feed that optically over the air, rather than via a wireline that you have to trench and install.”

Cabral said the decision to work with other vendors through the Access Alliance program is part of Quantum Bridge’s growth plan.

“We have to make internal decisions whether to grow it organically and develop the products from scratch or partner with folks who are doing it already and are the best-in-class,” Cabral said.