ADTRAN®, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN), a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions, today announced the NetVanta® 8424 10G Multi-service Edge Switch has achieved Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE2.0) certification. MEF CE2.0 compliance ensures robust support for SLA-based Carrier Ethernet services, a critical requirement for service providers looking to support Gigabit services in Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) environments. The coexistence of commercial and residential customers presents the opportunity to converge premium Gigabit services across a range of market verticals from Gigabit broadband to 1 GE and 10 GE SLA-based services for both business cloud connectivity and small-cell backhaul segments.

One of the challenges presented in the MDU environment is how to preserve a high quality experience as Gigabit services converge for multiple vertical markets. As high-bandwidth services are delivered over the access network, the effective aggregation of those services is required. Network operators are, as a result, deploying both fiber-based access and packet-optical aggregation solutions closer to the customer edge to support both inter- and intra-building premium service delivery and aggregation. This enhanced scalability and quality assurance allows the service expansion to address gaps in mobile services coverage that can be found in high-rise residential/commercial buildings, making them ideal targets for small cell deployments that require 50-100 Mbps, scalable to 1 GE, of specialized backhaul access from multiple locations in a building.

ADTRAN’s comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the MDU market – including MDU Optical Networking Terminals (ONT) and Micro ONTs – can address the wide breadth of market requirements service providers face as they look to expand their addressable market for premium fiber-based services. The ADTRAN NetVanta 8424 series is as an operationally streamlined, purpose-built premium Ethernet service termination and aggregation solution. As a Carrier Ethernet solution benefiting from a zero touch commissioning feature set, the NetVanta 8424 delivers a true plug and play system for both residential broadband and MEF certified business Ethernet services. The solutions also support 4G/LTE expansion for indoor small cell backhaul applications that may be collocated with business Ethernet and/or premium residential broadband services.

“MDUs represent a prime business opportunity for premium service delivery. In order for service providers to maximize that opportunity, they need to balance support and service level expectations for both the residential and commercial customers that reside in these buildings,” said Darrell Brown, director of product management, broadband access, ADTRAN Carrier Network Division. “ADTRAN delivers a highly capable solution making it possible for service providers to capture more customers and prepare for the inevitable growth of Gigabit broadband, cloud and backhaul services while leveraging a single access network.”

The MEF CE2.0 certification for 10 Gbps service delivery and aggregation extends ADTRAN’s leadership in delivering the industry’s broadest set of CE2.0 certified solutions. ADTRAN offers versatile Carrier Ethernet access solutions to meet the needs of a multi-access next-generation network. These solutions include a wide range of Ethernet Gateways supporting fiber, copper and TDM/PDH media.

About ADTRAN

ADTRAN, Inc. is a leading global provider of networking and communications equipment. ADTRAN’s products enable voice, data, video and Internet communications across a variety of network infrastructures. ADTRAN solutions are currently in use by service providers, private enterprises, government organizations, and millions of individual users worldwide. For more information, please visit www.adtran.com.