Lucent Technologies Introduces Single-Fiber Network Access Devices for Voice, Video, and Data Services to the Home or Curb

Business Wire, June 6, 2000

High Tech Writers

SUPERCOMM 2000

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2000

Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) Microelectronics Group today introduced the industry's first family of cost-effective fiber-to-the-home and fiber-to-the-curb devices that receive entertainment video and transmit and receive voice and broadband Internet data services over a single optical fiber.

As a result, these devices will promote deployment of common, full-service access networks versus traditionally separate networks for telephone service and cable TV service.

Demonstrated here this week at SUPERCOMM 2000 and in Las Vegas at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, Lucent's family of bidirectional optical networking units (ONUs) integrate video receivers and high-bandwidth data transceivers in compact, inexpensive packages that consume less than two watts of power. The fiber-to-the-curb ONU can receive up to 110 cable channels over a one-gigahertz (GHz) downstream path, while the fiber-to-the-home ONU can also receive 192 direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) channels (transmitted from a dish at a service provider's head-end or central office) over a two GHz path. Both units support bidirectional data at rates up to 100 megabits per second for telephony and Internet access.

"Service providers are demanding innovative, cost-effective ways to satisfy their customers' insatiable appetite for voice service, high-speed Internet access, and hundred-plus channels of video programming," said Jeff Rittichier, general manager of access products in the optoelectronics components division of Lucent's Microelectronics Group. "Lucent's new optical networking units provide more functionality, flexibility and bandwidth than any other network access devices on the market."

The downstream video path to the ONUs is on an optical wavelength of 1550 nanometers (nm), and the full-duplex, bidirectional data/voice path is on an optical wavelength of 1310 nm. The units incorporate a new wavelength multiplexer design that is significantly less expensive than wavelength division multiplexing technologies used in optical transport networks, a key factor in making these units cost-effective for widespread residential deployment.

Also offered with the new ONUs are low noise, highly linear video receiver cards. The "to home" video receiver cards feature high dynamic range for plug-and-play installation and enough RF gain to drive four TV sets over 150 feet of coaxial cable.

The "to home" ONU and video receiver cards can be powered from a residential power outlet or circuit-breaker panel. Battery backup can be provided to the ONU to support telephone service during power outages.

Sample quantities of the ONUs are expected to be available to OEM customers in the fourth quarter of 2000. The video receiver cards will be available in the third quarter of 2000. Prices will depend on volume and configuration.

According to industry analysts, the market for fiber-optic communications components was $5.5 billion in 1999 and grew more than 40 percent over the previous year. Lucent's optoelectronics business grew over 80 percent last year including sales to other business units within Lucent. Lucent recently completed its acquisition of Ortel Corporation of Alhambra, Calif., a leading producer of optoelectronics components for cable TV networks, which developed the family of ONUs announced today. Last month, Lucent announced a $40 million expansion of its optoelectronics components business in Southern California, as part of its Ortel acquisition, which is now integrated in Lucent's Microelectronics Group.

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers the systems, software, silicon and services for next-generation communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth areas such as optical and wireless networks; Internet infrastructure; communications software; communications semiconductors and optoelectronics; Web-based enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and professional network design and consulting services. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.

Lucent's Microelectronics Group designs and manufactures integrated circuits and optoelectronic components for the computer and communications industries. More information about the Microelectronics Group is available from its web site http://www.lucent.com/micro.>

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