INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cabling

Phoenix is part of the Telecom Infra Project ’ s , TIP Open Optical and Packet Transport , OOPT project group , a collaborative effort involving multiple telecom operators and technology providers . The solution has met TIP ’ s rigorous test requirements , earning it a Controlled Environment Silver Badge , indicative of its readiness for deployment .

Phoenix is a white box L0 , L1 transponder that operators can seamlessly deploy on their existing optical line systems to enhance network capacity . It is based on disaggregated hardware and software components , offering line interface speeds of up to 400G . NEC ’ s solution comprises the NEC Network Operating System , based on Goldstone open-source software , running on Wistron ’ s Galileo Flex-T hardware . The Phoenix solution is interoperable with various transceivers compliant with OpenROADM and OIF specifications .

Anthony Laing , General Manager

Networking , NEC XON

By the adoption of Phoenix , MTN Group , NEC XON and NEC Corporation are setting a precedent for telecom operators worldwide , offering a scalable and cost-efficient solution that meets the burgeoning demands of a digitally connected society .

To earn the Silver Badge , the Phoenix solution underwent rigorous testing , with network operators MTN and NTT Communications , NTT-Com contributing to the execution and report submission . The field testing was conducted within MTN ’ s production network in South Africa , demonstrating the technology ’ s viability in an inter-datacentre network scenario .

The deployment of Phoenix is designed to accelerate internet connectivity and optimise network operations , thereby democratising access to information . It aims to make affordable internet more widely available across Africa , fulfilling a critical societal need .

Demonstrating its commitment to innovation , MTN has embraced this state-of-the-art technology , integrating it into its production network , specifically across its optical network between Johannesburg and Centurion in South Africa , further demonstrating the technology ’ s interoperability and backwards compatibility .

“ Disaggregation is the future of networking , and we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution ,” said Anthony Laing , General Manager of Networking at NEC XON . “ This technology is a game-changer . It drives down costs , enhances innovation , and allows our customers to make independent hardware and software choices , which is a significant advantage in ’ s competitive telecom landscape .”

Key benefits of the Phoenix solution :

• Faster , more affordable networks with broader coverage .

• Increased access to affordable connectivity across Africa .

• Lower prices , improved services , and more options for end-users .

• Disaggregation is the key to fostering healthy competition in the telecom sector .

“ The deployment of Phoenix with NEC technologies is a significant step toward fulfilling a crucial promise to our customers , to deliver accessible , reliable and fast internet ,” said Amith Maharaj , Executive for Network Design and Planning at MTN Group . “ This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to embrace the latest technologies available that ultimately empower communities across Africa .” p

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