October 1, 2008

BBWFE: PacketFront Launches Modular FTTH CPE

PacketFront is launching its new Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) series, the DRG Ease. DRG Ease is a modular CPE featuring six broadband products that is easily clicked on to each other forming one state-of-the-art product. The modular concept of DRG Ease allows network owners and service providers to effectively deploy broadband networks and offer services with limited initial investments. This is something quite unusual in such types of networks which are often intense in capital investment and have long return on investments (ROI).

DRG Ease is based on a “sandwich” principle starting with the Base module of passive fiber termination, and then followed by the active modules for control and delivery of broadband triple play services. Currently the modules offered are: Base, Access including CATV functions, Telephony, WiFi, Switch and a cable Organizer.

The Base module enables network owners to deploy FTTH (Fiber To The Home) at a limited cost compared to deploying products where costly active electronics are pre-integrated. The ease of use concept is proved through functional and purpose built design offering installation engineers an array of benefits when deploying fiber.

The versatility of DRG Ease enables greater earning potential with options for lifting end users to higher-value packages over time. The Access module with its option for integrated CATV functionality serves as home gateway providing control and management of the broadband connection and services. Troubleshooting per module is provided making this product extra suitable in open access environments where services, and thus service ownership, may come from third party service providers.

The service modules, Telephony, WiFi and Switch are easily clicked-on using magnets, allowing end users to do the installation themselves. “The threshold for end users to get e.g. broadband telephony, a wireless network or IPTV, must be made as low as possible”, Niclas Sonesson, CEO at PacketFront says. “In order to increase service-take-rate the simplicity and speed of installation as well ease-of use is important factors”. “This is where DRG Ease has its advantages, and one of the reasons for it’s excellence,” he continues.

The number of products required in a broadband connected home are significant, resulting in an equally large number of cable and Power Supply Units (PSU). Being annoying to many end users, this is addressed in DRG Ease. Only one PSU is required for the whole set up of modules, a cable Organizer provides a neat and clean installation and many of the modules include functionality that normally requires its own boxes. This results in a discrete, yet state-of-the art product that eliminates the hesitation that many end users have to installing a large number of different looking boxes into their home.

“We are happy to present a product which so clearly demonstrates its values towards its target users, network owners, service providers and end users”, Niclas Sonesson says. Ease of use in all its dimensions has been combined into a product which we are extremely proud to present to the market” he concludes.


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