New Zealand wholesale operator Chorus has completed a trial of gigabit-speed wireless passive optical networking (WPN) technology for last mile connectivity.
The trial of Nokia's WPON solution achieved speeds of around 1.6Gbps over 150 meters. WPON is capable of a theoretical maximum speed of 3Gbps.
WPON uses unlicensed 60GHz spectrum to transmit data between an outdoor antenna connected to the customer premises equipment and a small access point on a nearby telephone pole or lamppost that is connected to the fiber backbone.
Chorus is evaluating using the technology for areas where direct fiber deployment may not be feasible, such as in apartment complexes or in business parks where it is difficult to gain approval for a fiber deployment.
The company is the owner of the majority of fixed line telecommunications infrastructure in New Zealand, and has been tasked with building and operating around 70% of the nation's Ultrafast Broadband fiber network.
WPON is potentially an extremely useful tool in Chorus’ toolbox as we continue to look for innovative ways to improve the customer experience, delivering better and faster connectivity as easily as possible for consumers,” Chorus chief customer officer Ed Hyde said.
“This innovation builds on progress being made on a range of fronts, including the introduction of the first residential 10Gbps services next month and our announcement of more affordable gigabit pricing.