Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Making sure your FTTH GPON installation is ready for turn-up

  Fiber expert David Hashman details what you must know when accepting the fiber installation for gigabit passive optical networks, from testing requirements to reference values.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of Ethernet in an access network?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak only sees one advantage to using Ethernet technology in access networks. Learn what it is, plus three tips for managing per-user bandwidth.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of DWDM over a virtual switching supervisor?

  IP expert Ivan Pepelnjak explains how comparing dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) to virtual switching supervisors (VSS) would be like "comparing a car to a highway."  Continue Reading

• What are the specified launched power and receive sensitivity of GPON and PtP networks?

  Fiber expert David Hashman details launched power and receive sensitivity specifications for gigabit packet optical networks and active Ethernet point-to-point networks.  Continue Reading

• When designing a FTTH GPON project, is it possible to use many cables in the same conduit, or must I

  Fiber expert David Hashman lays out the options available for fiber to the home gigabit passive optical network project designers when it comes to placing cables in conduits.  Continue Reading

• OSS vs. NMS: What are the similarities and differences?

  What's the difference between operations support systems (OSS) and network management systems (NMS)? Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak has the answer.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between MPLS and normal IP?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak explains what separates Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) forwarding from standard Internet Protocol (IP) forwarding.  Continue Reading

• How do multivendor MPLS core and edge networks compare to single-vendor?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak considers the benefits and drawbacks of deciding to build both single-vendor and multivendor Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks.  Continue Reading

• What is the status of 100G transmission speed in optical transport networks?

  ACG Research managing partner Eve Griliches offers an update on the development of 100 gigabit per second (100G) transmission speed in optical transport networks (OTN).  Continue Reading

• We are a GSM network integrator looking to provide compatibility in 3G to 2G. Can you kindly suggest

  ACG Research principal analyst Bill Rubino discusses the key considerations for ensuring network compatibility when migrating from 3G to 2G, including vendor selection.  Continue Reading

• I am designing an underground outside plant (OSP) Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network. What kind of con

  Fiber expert David Hashman compares polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as conduit for underground outside plant (OSP) Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks.  Continue Reading

• I am starting a Fiber to the Home (FTTH) project. Which is better for my FTTH deployment, a passive

  Fiber expert David Hashman explains the pros and cons of passive optical network (PON) and active Ethernet (Active-E) network technologies for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployment.  Continue Reading

• Does Cisco's new CRS-3 router offer any improvements in optical traffic grooming?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak weighs in on whether or not Cisco's CRS-3 router will have any impact on traffic grooming for optical networks.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a Multiprotocol Label Switching-based Border Gateway Protocol-free core?

  Learn the pros of using an Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)-free core, including how freeing core routers of BGP can stabilize networks.  Continue Reading

• How will Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) interact with MPLS-TP in the future?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak considers how service providers may approach interaction between Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and MPLS-Transport Protocol (MPLS-TP).  Continue Reading