Nokia MDU solution for cable operators; InCoax MoU
December 5, 2023
Nokia has announced that it will add a MoCA Access solution to its Gigabit Connect portfolio, giving cable operators additional options for addressing customers in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) that are difficult to serve with fibre. Nokia says it is the first vendor to offer an integrated FTTH and MoCA Access solution, seamlessly linking the two. The addition of MoCA enables Multiple System Operators (MSO) to deliver multi-gigabit services over the existing coaxial cable in MDU buildings where fibre installation is not feasible, as well as in coax-wired commercial buildings such as hotels and hospitals.
Nokia’s new Gigabit Connect solution allows operators to combine fibre and MoCA Access to connect subscribers in MDUs. Nokia’s MoCA access solution connects to the FTTH network, uses the buildings existing coax, and is managed as a single system. Notably, MoCA also allows for coexistence with legacy services, including terrestrial, satellite and cable TV and DOCSIS.
Jeff Heynen, Vice President, Broadband Access and Home Networking at Dell’Oro, said: “As cable operators migrate to FTTH to address the market, they will need to find a way to service existing customers in MDUs that lack fibre. MoCA is an easy and cost-effective method to do so. With the addition of MoCA to their industry-leading Gigabit Connect solution, Nokia is clearly committed to helping its customers maximise the reach and revenue potential of their FTTH networks.”
Geert Heyninck, Vice President of Broadband Networks for Fixed Networks at Nokia, said: “Solutions like MoCA, are going to play an important role in helping operators connect customers to gigabit speeds in difficult to reach buildings. The addition of MoCA to our Gigabit Connect solution enables cable operators to move to fibre faster and better serve locations that are too difficult or expensive to run with fibre. The integration also makes it easy to operate since both the FTTH and MoCA can be managed as a single network.”
In related news, InCoax Networks has announced the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nokia. As part of the collaboration, Nokia will offer InCoax’s system-solution for Fibre Access Extension within Nokia’s Gigabit Connect portfolio. The joint offering will target the global broadband operator market, in particular MSOs and cable operators. The aim is to commence deliveries through Nokia in the second half of 2024.
The recently signed agreement establishes terms and guidelines for the global delivery of InCoax’s MoCA Access-based solutions, designed for Fibre Access Extension with multi-gigabit performance over coaxial cable networks in multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
This MoU signifies the initiation of a collaboration between the two companies with the goal of seamlessly integrating InCoax’s products and solutions into Nokia’s existing end-to-end broadband access solution, including management through Nokia’s Altiplano Access Controller. Notably, InCoax’s Fibre Access Extension technology complements Nokia’s Gigabit Connect and Passive Optical Network (PON) solutions. Nokia, holding a global market leadership position in XGS-PON (10-gigabit PON solutions), seeks to position InCoax’s system-solution as an alternative in MDUs where fibre installation is not feasible.
“I have confidence in the potential for InCoax´s system solution to become an integral part of Nokia´s overall offering, available in their channels to their extensive operator customer base. The expectation is that this collaboration will lead to a long and mutually rewarding business relationship”, said Jörgen Ekengren, CEO, InCoax Networks.
”InCoax’s industry leading MoCA Access solution will become an important part of Nokia’s broadband access portfolio and existing Gigabit Connect solution. With InCoax’s solution, we will be able to better support cable operators easily deliver muti-gigabit services over the existing coax in MDUs and buildings that are too difficult to serve with fiber”, said Heyninck.