FILIP DE GREVE SDAN
UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF FTTH IN A COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE SOFTWARE-DEFINED ACCESS NETWORKS The rush to roll out FTTH coverage and provide a range of services has created a number of issues for network operators, including network overbuild, demands for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and the need to control costs. In this article, Filip De Greve , Product marketing Director for Nokia Fixed Networks explains how Software-Defined Access Networks (SDAN) can meet these, and many other challenges.
I n the fast-evolving world of latency connectivity. Its unparalleled capacity to meet the demands of our increasingly connected digital world has attracted a surge of investment from both established operators and new entrants. However, this momentum has led to unforeseen challenges: network overbuild, market fragmentation, and shrinking profit margins. As the FTTH landscape becomes more crowded and complex, operators are seeking innovative solutions to maintain their competitive edge and ensure sustainable growth. Enter software-defined access networks, which promise to transform how FTTH networks are designed, deployed, and managed. By leveraging the principles of software-defined broadband, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) has emerged as the gold standard for high-speed, low- networking (SDN), cloud platforms, and network automation, SDAN offers a path to increased automation, enhanced operational efficiency, and new revenue streams. As a result, it can help FTTH operators navigate the challenges of today’s market while positioning themselves for future success. THE FTTH LANDSCAPE The appeal of FTTH is clear. Applications requiring higher bandwidth and lower latencies such as cloud gaming, 4K/8K video streaming, and augmented reality are continually becoming more
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prevalent, increasing its demand. FTTH’s future-proof infrastructure, technology- leading sustainability, and comparatively low operating costs make it an attractive investment option for those looking to capitalise on this trend. However, the push to deploy FTTH has led to some unintended consequences. Multiple operators are now competing for the same finite pool of customers due to high levels of network overbuild across markets. This is particularly evident in countries like the U.K., where over 100 alternative network operators (altnets) are active, many with ambitions
to pass just 2% or less of total national premises. This fragmentation creates several challenges including increased competition and pricing pressure (leading to falling margins), inefficiencies due to duplicated infrastructure, and difficulties in achieving economies of scale, particularly for smaller operators. The traditional approach to network management, with its reliance on manual processes and siloed systems, is ill- equipped to handle the complexities of this new landscape. This is where SDAN comes into play.
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| ISSUE 38 | Q3 2024
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