Huawei and Openreach, a BT group company, have tested a 25G/100G symmetric PON prototype to prepare for 5G speeds.

The 25G/100G symmetric PON prototype will assist Openreach to manage network demands from ultra-high definition (UHD) video and high-value enterprise leased lines. The technology will enable operators to increase speeds and bandwidth on existing network infrastructure.

Huawei said the prototype supports a single channel of 25 Gb/s, meeting fiber to the x (FTTx) needs and supports 2 or 4 channels for business and mobile backhaul services. When tested in Openreach labs, the prototype supported 4 channels which delivered a maximum symmetric bandwidth of 100 Gb/s.

Huawei developed the 25G/100G symmetric PON prototype based on the MA5800, a commercially-used distributed optical line terminal (OLT). When deploying this prototype, existing optical distribution network (ODN) infrastructures can be re-used protecting investments and realizing smooth evolution.

“This test proves that Openreach can deliver user services with higher bandwidth based on their fiber networks, unlocking greater potential for broadband networks. We will continue to maintain advanced networks to meet users’ potential demands in the future,” said Tim Whitley, BT’s Managing Director for Research & Innovation.

Jeff Wang, president of Huawei’s Access Network Product Line, said the success of the 25G/100G symmetric PON test indicates that Huawei is able to cope with big broadband services in the future.

Nearly 50 mobile operators are using Huawei’s distributed smart OLT MA5800 and 10G PON ONT. Recently, Huawei released CloudFAN solution supports slicing function for multi-service bearing over one network, maximizing the value of operator access networks.

Meanwhile, Ofcom announced how Openreach will be held to account, as it becomes legally separate from BT, to ensure it delivers for phone and broadband users.

Ofcom will monitor BT’s compliance with its new commitments, and how effectively Openreach serves the whole industry. Ofcom will measure how far Openreach is improving its network and helping to deliver better quality of service.