Enable has been working with Altnet providers for many years, helping them build out their full fibre broadband networks. Our focus area is from the MPLS enabled access node handing off to the OLTs all the way up to the core network and internet peering. We have supported our Altnet customers through capacity and technology transitions as they have been growing.

Core and Backhaul Network Upgrades

In general, we have observed Altnets in a rapid build phase, with a focus on homes passed. During this period, core and backhaul network growth has lagged relative to potential network requirements, as the subscriber uptake was relatively low. The existing networks were built on 10G or Nx10G in the core with 1G and 10G for backhaul and access networks. In the last 12 months we have seen a shift in the focus of Altnets starting to rapidly connect homes. With subscriber uptake rising sharply, Altnets’ existing networks have been stretched by the capacity demand, resulting in many Altnets choosing to upgrade their core and backhaul networks to cater for the demand. The capacity demand has led Altnets to upgrade core networks to 100G or Nx100G with backhaul circuits from pre-aggregation and access sites still being 10G or Nx10G. During these network upgrades we have also helped Altnets transition to newer technologies, such as Segment Routing for transport and EVPN providing the services. These technologies have provided many benefits and optimisations to our customers. As a result, we have introduced comprehensive training courses on EVPN and Segment Routing, and are pleased to offer complimentary places to service provider employees. For more information regarding these training sessions, please click here.

XGS PON: The Predominant Access Technology

We have also seen the widespread adoption of XGS PON as the predominant access technology. Some Altnets are deploying this already while most of others are in test phases and planning their first deployments. XGS PON is having a large impact on how Altnets size their networks. XGS PON in most cases require access networks to support 100G for aggregating OLTs. This is creating a capacity explosion requiring high density 100G access routers in exchanges and street side cabs while backhaul networks will now need to go to 100G or more. We already have an Altnet customer running 400G on backhaul. Altnets need to plan their core, backhaul and access network carefully to cater for these capacity requirements.

If you are an Altnet going through these transitions and need support, guidance and advice, please reach out to the Enable team.