Paris, France // 2008-02-27

PacketFront announces modular CPE revolutionizing the business case of FTTH network deployments

PacketFront, the pioneer of open-access broadband networking, is announcing its new Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) series, the DRG Ease, at the FTTH Council conference, Paris, today. DRG Ease is a modular CPE featuring six broadband products that is easily clicked on to each other forming one state-of-the-art product. The modular concept of DRG Ease allows network owners and service providers to effectively deploy broadband networks and offer services with limited initial investments following an invest-as-you-grow approach. This will significantly improve the FTTH business case.

DRG Ease (patent pending) is based on a "sandwich" principle starting with the Base module for passive fiber termination, and then followed by the active modules for control and delivery of broadband triple-play services. The modules that initially will be offered are: Base – terminates the fiber, Access – controls and manages the broadband connection, Telephony – provides broadband telephony, WiFi – provides wireless access, Switch – provides five extra LAN ports,  and a cable Organizer.

Thanks to its modularity, network owners and third party service providers can own separate modules, and thereby sharing the investment. In open-access networks this is essential. The service modules are easily attached by the end users themselves using built-in magnets, and combined with the modules' small form factor, a cost efficient and fast distribution process is offered.

The smart and innovative design of the Base module allows the passive installation to be completed quickly. Its features for quick pulling of fiber and easy deployments in end user homes provide a product that saves installation time and cost.

"The important factors in order to increase service-take-rate are simplicity, speed of installation as well as ease-of-use," says Martin Thunman, CEO at PacketFront. "This is where DRG Ease has many of its advantages, and why we strongly believe that this product will revolutionize the way FTTH is being deployed today." 

Targeted to end users, DRG Ease provides a neat and clean installation. Only one Power Supply Unit (PSU) is needed for the whole set up, and the Organizer module helps to get cables in place. This all results in a discrete, yet state-of-the art product offering.

DRG Ease will be available for shipments during Q3 2008.