Hatteras Networks has added optical plug-in modules to its Ethernet over copper system to enable its customers to have higher-speed connections between its access system and an Ethernet switch, or across a corporate facility.

The upgrade to the HN400, called HN400-U, enables more cost-effective backhaul of traffic from a customer premises, wireless tower or other outside plant location, said Christopher Cook, senior vice president of global sales for Hatteras. In addition, the HN400-U can support up to eight subtended customers to an HN400s, located in a central office or remote terminal. That enables service providers to offer service to up to eight customers in an office park or multi-tenant unit on a more cost-effective basis.

Iowa Telecom, an independent telco, has already announced its deployment of the HN400-U.

“By subtending the systems, service providers don’t have to book-end systems,” Cook said. “And it gives them a smaller footprint which is very cost-effective for smaller companies – the CO box is in the $100s per user.”

The optical plug-in module allows fiber optic connections to reach across a complex or campus of a business user, and allows intra-CO connections to go over a longer distance as well.

“In many larger COs, we are near the MDF [main distribution frame] and the Ethernet switch may be on the second floor,” Cook explained.