News and New Products

GPON-ONT IC delivers Gigabit Ethernet, voice, and video

Iamba Networks' iSN1000 chips implement the complete ONT (optical-network-terminal) function that serves as the interface between the GPON fiber and traditional twisted-pair, cable TV, and Ethernet wiring in the home.

By Maury Wright, Editorial Director, EDN Worldwide -- EDN, 1/24/2008

Deployment of GPON (gigabit-passive-optical networks) is finally happening in North America with Verizon’s drive to push fiber to the home (see “100-Mbps broadband: how, why, when, and where?” EDN, July 6, 2006, pg 48). The passively split, shared fiber in a GPON deployment can deliver voice, video, and data. Now, chip companies, such as Iamba Networks, are focused on delivering ASSPs (application-specific standard products) to lower the cost of the customer-premises equipment. The company’s new iSN1000 family of GPON ICs includes products targeting single-family homes, small businesses, and multidwelling units.

The iSN1000 chips implement the complete ONT (optical-network-terminal) function that serves as the interface between the GPON fiber and traditional twisted-pair, cable TV, and Ethernet wiring in the home. Iamba based the iSN1000 family on a combination of three RISC cores and a traffic processor that Iamba calls the iTMP (Iamba traffic-pump module). The iTMP handles layer 2 and 3 network protocols at full wire speed and performs packet classification, virtual LAN, security, and IPTV (Internet Protocol-television) functions.

The iSN1000 provides two GbE (gigabit-Ethernet) ports and supports multiple voice and video lines. Iamba also offers a complete ONT software package and a software package for the OLT (optical-line terminal) on the service-provider side of the GPON link. The iSN1000 ICs will sell for less than $20 (high volumes).