Leading U.S. wireless operator AT&T Inc. T has joined hands with Nokia Corporation NOK, Ciena Corporation CIEN and Fujitsu to create a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) for Open Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs). The idea is to focus on creating an open standard for ROADMs. At present, ROADM specifications are proprietary based and create difficulties for a carrier in interoperability of different ROADMs from different manufacturers.
What is ROADM?
To cater to the networking needs of business and residential customers, Optical and Ethernet networks require greater flexibility. ROADMs allow operators to access any wavelength at any node at any given time and add, block, pass or redirect modulated infrared (IR) and visible light beams of various wavelengths in a fiber optic network, providing greater flexibility and operational simplicity for carriers.
Roadblocks
Practical issues faced in inter-compatibility slow the network connection and reduce a carrier’s ability to deliver the best wireless experience to the end consumer. Moreover, due to the lack of interoperability, a carrier has to install the optical equipment of the same vendor in a particular service area, which affects the service provisioning time.
AT&T, on its part, has developed the software to function in the open ROADM architecture. Software-controlled ROADMs can increase network reliability by tweaking capacity utilization, while routing around faults and restoring connections if a fault occurs.
The Bottom Line
The Open ROADM specifications will enable AT&T and other carriers like Verizon Communications Inc. VZ to deploy ROADM optical equipment efficiently in different service areas. We believe the adoption of an open network platform will enhance the ability of these carriers to service both residential and wholesale customers.
AT&T currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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