5G Hub

Tunable SFP+ modules powered by photonics System-on-Chip (SoC) technology successfully tested on live Dutch network for increased capacity, network efficiency and maintenance cost savings.

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Eindhoven, The Netherlands

VodafoneZiggo, the second largest mobile telecommunications company in the Netherlands, has teamed up with EFFECT Photonics to bring 5G connectivity to its existing mobile networks utilizing photonic system-on-chips (SoCs). EFFECT Photonics’ SoC technology and tunable SFP+ modules, first tested in the 5G Hub in the High Tech Campus at Eindhoven and now in the field on a live VodafoneZiggo network, represent a significant transformation of mobile access networks. 

The successful results of both trials demonstrate how photonics can be utilized to improve network performance, capacity and efficiency, while requiring significantly less energy. For the past 30 years, telecommunications networks and equipment have been based on traditional electronic and fiber optics hardware. While electronics technology has undergone many developments over the decades, integrated photonics are best suited for 5G networks and beyond in order to meet the insatiable demand for data, network capacity and lower network latency. As photonic SoCs transmit and process data based on light signals, they significantly improve the performance of mobile networks, while requiring less energy. 

The successful tests conducted in the field by VodafoneZiggo are a significant milestone and have confirmed the maturity and benefits of EFFECT Photonics Tunable SFP+ and NarroWave technology that can be expected in terms of cost savings, performance improvements and network service quality. VodafoneZiggo is the first telecom provider in the Netherlands to test this technology in a live network. The telecom link involved, services a 10 Gbps 40km backhaul DWDM connection between the cities of Breda and Etten-Leur, located in the southwest of the Netherlands. 

Using EFFECT Photonics’ tunable SFP+ modules in DWDM networks can have an enormous impact in ease of deployment and saving costs. During the setup and installation of the technology, we immediately noticed that the NarroWave automatic tuning feature is a game-changer for upgrading networks in a timely and efficient manner. If we multiply this time-saving with the number of lanes per DWDM link and the number of links used in the Netherlands, the technology choice becomes simple

Jan-Willem Winters, Technical Manager, VodafoneZiggo.

We are delighted to partner with VodafoneZiggo to help bring 5G connectivity to the Netherlands. The recent successful testing of EFFECT Photonics’ SoC on a live mobile network further demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved with photonics technology and how easily and cost-effectively network capacity can be upgraded.

Joost Verberk, Director of Product Management at EFFECT Photonics.

About EFFECT Photonics

EFFECT Photonics SFP+ Modules and NarroWave Technology Based on Indium Phosphide technology, the EFFECT Photonics 10 Gbps Narrow Tunable SFP+ Transceiver Module leverages the company’s unique Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology. It features EFFECT Photonics NarroWave technology, which allows operators to set up, monitor and control remote SFP+ modules from the central office, without making any hardware or software changes in the field. 

About VodafoneZiggo

VodafoneZiggo is a leading Dutch company that provides fixed, mobile and integrated communication and entertainment services to consumers and business. As of March 31, 2022, we have over 5 million mobile, over 3 million video and fixed broadband internet and approximately 2 million fixed telephony subscribers. Approximately 7,000 people are employed by VodafoneZiggo. The Vodafone Ziggo offices are located in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Maastricht, Hilversum, Leeuwarden, Groningen, Nijmegen, Helmond and Rotterdam. www.vodafoneziggo.nl

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Tags: 5G, 5G Hub, access networks, Breda, coherent, connectivity, cost-effective, DWDM, Eindhoven, Etten-leur, High Tech Campus EIndhoven, integration, Jan-Willem Winters, Netherlands, network, Networks, photonic integration, Photonics, pluggable, reach, telecommunication, Transceiver, Tunable SFP+, Vodafone, vodafone ziggo, Ziggo