ADTRAN integrates third-party ONTs from iPhotonix

ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN) has partnered with iPhotonix Corp. as its source for third-party optical network terminals (ONTs), according to iPhotonix. ADTRAN now offers certification that the third-party ONTs will interoperate with ADTRAN’s own GPON optical line terminals (OLTs) and ADTRAN Operating Environment (AOE) service management software.

“GPON has always been a closed system,” said Jeff Mulqueen, vice president of sales and business development at iPhotonix. “That business model has been challenged because no one offers every ONT. Operators requirements can be unique and consumption behavior often changes faster than development cycles can accommodate.”

ADTRAN set out to solve this problem for its customers. “The solution soon became clear – find a source for third-party ONTs that offers both a price point and features that complement the ADTRAN portfolio, and develop a way to manage the entire solution via AOE,” said Mulqueen.

Supplying a traditional OEM solution has been constrained by economics, iPhotonix points out. By the time you take the unit and price it so that everyone can get a share of margin, the cost is simply too high. Instead, ADTRAN decided to certify and support complete interoperability of iPhotonix’s ONTs with its own OLT and management system. Rather than label the iPhotonix ONT as an ADTRAN device, adding needless costs to the service provider, these ‘certified’ ONTs can be purchased directly from distributor KGP Logistics.

“Our approach is making this a win-win for everyone involved,” said Craig Goodwin, product manager, FTTH, ADTRAN Carrier Networks Division. “This solution offers service providers a robust management umbrella providing full end-to-end management including integration with billing and auto-provisioning systems at a price point they can afford. iPhotonix gains greater reach through sales and distribution and ADTRAN further expands its FTTH market share.”

The approach has caught the attention of service providers in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 space. “This approach is drastically different from anything we have seen in the past,” said George O’Neil, vice-president of network services, GVTC. “Fully managed third-party ONT integration will allow service providers to significantly lower the cost of FTTH deployment, providing an improved business case for further service expansion.”