Telefonica prepares for 5G with Nokia's XGS-PON fiber technology

Telefónica has tested Nokia's XGS-PON (Passive Optical Network) next-generation fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology in its labs, delivering symmetrical broadband speeds of up to 10Gbps.

Providing a simple upgrade path from the current GPON fiber technology deployed by Telefonica, XGS-PON will deliver faster broadband speeds to customers and facilitate Telefonica's 5G mobile network roll-out.

Telefonica's successful test of Nokia's XGS-PON solution reflects its commitment to continually develop the capabilities and speed of its network, and is an important step towards extending new ultra-broadband services to customers.

With 10Gpbs symmetrical (downstream and upstream) capabilities, the use of XGS-PON will allow Telefonica to quickly deliver new gigabit services to customers using existing GPON platforms and technology.

The XGS-PON lab trial showed four times more upstream bandwidth than XG-PON1, demonstrating how the technology is especially suited for 5G, where it can be used for mobile backhaul as well as the aggregation of remote access node traffic.

Francisco Javier Fabián, Fixed Access and Real State Director at Telefonica, said: "New services, competition and future symmetrical ultra broadband access require enhanced fixed access technology. We are sure that XGS-PON is the correct choice to fulfill demands for gigabit bandwidth and will support the higher symmetric bandwidth required to support 5G backhaul in the future."

Federico Guillen, president of Nokia's Fixed Networks business group, said: "Streaming services, gaming and HD video continue to drive demand for gigabit services, and the use of next-generation fiber technologies like XGS-PON will play a critical role in Telefonica's ability to deliver these enhanced services to customers - by wireless or fixed networks. The enhancements to our next-generation PON portfolio make it easier and more cost-effective for service providers to seamlessly evolve their existing fiber networks in line with demand."