Prysmian introduces integrated power telecom networks

PRYSMIAN

Prysmian Group’s R&D laboratories have developed a cabling system that brings both power and ultra-broadband voice and data connections into homes. This strongly reduces network costs and implementation time, as trenching and civil works are limited - or even avoided altogether.

Marcelo Andrade

SR VP R&D AT PRYSMIAN GROUP

What’s more, the system can provide virtually unlimited connection speed, depending on the network configuration.

The solution, developed primarily for power utilities, allows both power and ultra-broadband digital connection to be delivered using a unique single cable. The system combines various elements of passive connectivity with a copper cable for energy transport and fibre optics are integrated within its metallic core. Depending on the architecture chosen by the Network Owner, this could be a GPON or Ethernet solution. Any type of electronic device may be plugged in to make it run.

“Various solutions currently available on the market use a single physical medium to carry both power and data, for example PoE (Power over Ethernet) and EoPL (Ethernet over Power Line),” says Andreas Wassmuth, Director Telecom R&D with Prysmian Group. “However, both solutions are limited: PoE can’t offer the right amount of power and EoPL can’t meet current and future data transmission needs. These solutions are also partly based on the concept of reusing existing infrastructure that was previously built for another purpose. Neither provides optimum performance for ‘upcoming’ technologies. AfumexDUO is the first to use two elements which are optimize for their own individual tasks within a single cable: copper, for carrying the right amount of Energy and fibre optic for Data transport.”

Lower cost, more capillarity, better broadband performance

“This is a very important innovation, which represents an extremely effective and efficient solution to offer ultra-broadband connections to a number of users, rapidly and at low cost, specifically when it comes to the so called ‘white areas’: places which are not a first choice for Incumbent Operators”, said Marcelo Andrade, Sr VP R&D at Prysmian Group. “We are in the unique position of being able to combine our expertise in optical fibre cable as well as energy cable production technologies with, connectivity design for both segments. Integrating the sensitive fibre into the more robust copper elements was a challenge, as well as the adaptation of the connectivity. However, we could rely on in-house knowledge and core competencies in Energy and Telecom for cable, network design and connectivity. Prysmian are proud to offer the result of our efforts in a field that affects quality of life for all of us.”

Available now: Prysmian’s integrated power-telecom solution

Using a single cable, energy transport is enabled over copper and the inclusion of fibre optics aids passive connectivity. 1G connectivity is delivered via a discrete component and an optional active electronic switch allows for transmission of information.

What sets the solution apart, apart from it being a hybrid cable, is its ability to segregate the two services at both ends, in order to safely interface with the relevant transmitters and receivers. Dedicated boxes, specifically developed by Prysmian, currently enable this. Also, the cost of installation is low and the space used is minimal. As one cable is installed instead of two, and the conductor and the fibre are ‘sharing’ the same cable, the total volume in the installation is much lower. This is key during when installing in congested ducts.

Cost Reduction

Less than half investment needed (vs Telco Operator)
No trenching required, ‘no dig’ solution

Implementation Time

A few hours for new cable installation (vs several days if compared to Telco standard time)
Easy and fast replacement of existing power cables

Capillarity of the Grid

100% of population will potentially have New Generation Access
Connecting people in urban and rural areas

Best Performances with AFUMEX DUO®

Ideally up to 1Gb/s with FTTH to every user

What’s more, the system can provide virtually unlimited connection speed, depending on the network configuration.

The solution, developed primarily for power utilities, allows both power and ultra-broadband digital connection to be delivered using a unique single cable. The system combines various elements of passive connectivity with a copper cable for energy transport and fibre optics are integrated within its metallic core. Depending on the architecture chosen by the Network Owner, this could be a GPON or Ethernet solution. Any type of electronic device may be plugged in to make it run.

“Various solutions currently available on the market use a single physical medium to carry both power and data, for example PoE (Power over Ethernet) and EoPL (Ethernet over Power Line),” says Andreas Wassmuth, Director Telecom R&D with Prysmian Group. “However, both solutions are limited: PoE can’t offer the right amount of power and EoPL can’t meet current and future data transmission needs. These solutions are also partly based on the concept of reusing existing infrastructure that was previously built for another purpose. Neither provides optimum performance for ‘upcoming’ technologies. AfumexDUO is the first to use two elements which are optimize for their own individual tasks within a single cable: copper, for carrying the right amount of Energy and fibre optic for Data transport.”

Lower cost, more capillarity, better broadband performance

“This is a very important innovation, which represents an extremely effective and efficient solution to offer ultra-broadband connections to a number of users, rapidly and at low cost, specifically when it comes to the so called ‘white areas’: places which are not a first choice for Incumbent Operators”, said Marcelo Andrade, Sr VP R&D at Prysmian Group. “We are in the unique position of being able to combine our expertise in optical fibre cable as well as energy cable production technologies with, connectivity design for both segments. Integrating the sensitive fibre into the more robust copper elements was a challenge, as well as the adaptation of the connectivity. However, we could rely on in-house knowledge and core competencies in Energy and Telecom for cable, network design and connectivity. Prysmian are proud to offer the result of our efforts in a field that affects quality of life for all of us.”