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OmniRural™ is an innovative telecommunication network solution explicitly developed to provide broadband access to remote, low subscriber density locations, especially in rural areas. This state-of-art solution enables operators to launch broadband telecommunication services, in a rapid, risk-free and cost-effective manner and to increase their customer base and revenue streams.

OmniRural™ employs best-of-breed technologies in order to deliver novel services and a positive experience to the consumers. The OmniRural™ network is strictly built around IP-based technologies and product lines, such as microwave radios, WiMAX and DSL, and hence can inherit their advanced performance, mature ecosystem, and economies of scale.

The flexibility to build a highly-customized, yet scalable network constitutes the solution's differentiator. The novelty introduced by OmniRural™ is the concept of "Smart Node", where the backhaul and access functionality is integrated into a compact, outdoor cabinet.

OmniRural™ has a truly universal mission, as it can be deployed worldwide, irrespectively of the terrain, climatic and economic conditions.

Benefits

•  Cost-effective end-to-end solution for rural broadband and NGN telephony applications.
• Scalable network deployment, for low installation & operational costs (compared to traditional fiber).
•  Future-proof architecture for risk-free investment.
• Low cost per transported bit.
•  Smart trunk, access and add-drop repeater components, all IP-based.

Highlights
OmniRural™ exhibits distinct features and benefits, which have a major impact on the success of rural broadband networks and associated initiatives:

·         Autonomous network solution, developed specifically for rural broadband networks.

·         Smart, multi-technology node with flexible configuration: Access, Repeater and/or Repeater & Access modes for optimum network design.

·         Both wired and wireless physical mediums can be utilized in the access domain (i.e. DSL, WiMAX), for incumbent or competitive operators.

·         IP and standards-based architecture exploits established ecosystems and economies of scale to reduce CapEx and ensure investment longevity.

·         The Smart Node cabinet requires a minimal space and power footprint, thus reducing OpEx. Power can be depended on renewable energy sources.

·         OmniRural™ is a one-shop stop solution developed by INTRACOM TELECOM, inclusive of its own unified management suite (uni|MS™).

An overview of the OmniRural™ network is depicted in the figure below:

There exist three types of Smart Nodes, according to their functionality to provide local access and/or a backhaul interface to other nodes. Local access can be provided by means of DSL or WiMAX equipment, depending on the physical medium availability. Backhaul connectivity is established with microwave radio systems, PtP or PtMP, as appropriate. OmniRural™ can be deployed as an end-to-end (E2E) solution or can connect to existing core infrastructure. The network architecture is flexible to any terrain environment and scalable to any network size.

Applications
OmniRural™ is an innovative telecommunication network solution explicitly developed to provide broadband access to remote, low subscriber density locations, especially in rural areas. This state-of-art solution enables operators to launch broadband telecommunication services, in a rapid, risk-free and cost-effective manner and to increase their customer base and revenue streams.

In the scope of the global "bridging the digital divide" initiatives, OmniRural™ offers a business-friendly solution regarding the infrastructure investments in rural areas. Two main business models are adopted, according to the local regulatory framework:

Independent Network Access Provider (NAP)

Subsidies are given to newcomers – not belonging to the incumbent or competitive carrier category – with the objective to intensify the competition in the telecommunications market.

Newcomers who are awarded subsidies are delegated to act as network access providers. They can build greenfield networks and then lease their resources to existing operators.
Subsidies mainly concern the initial infrastructure costs and aim at reducing the startup cost per subscriber.

Within a country, one or more NAPs may coexist and be assigned territories. It is also possible that the state itself operates as a NAP in an effort to ensure the success of the rural broadband deployment.

Operators Expanding Own Infrastructure

Subsidies are given to incumbents (ILEC) and competitive (CLEC) operators to enhance their existing infrastructure, or extend them for reaching new areas. Two scenarios are possible:

•  Operators are about to expand their infrastructure independently across the entire territory.
• Existing operators and newcomers are about to be assigned specific areas for exclusive exploitation under a bidding process – this scenario could be an opportunity for new investments in the telecommunications market.

Other business models are also possible in case of change of the worldwide economic conditions and the telecommunication landscape.

Technical Description

An OmniRural™ network is built with Smart Nodes strategically positioned within the rural area to provide access services and backhaul connectivity. OmniRural™ offers the following technology options:

• OmniRural™ DSL Access Interface: 
  MSAN of scalable ADSL2+ port capacity (from 24 to 360), capable to provide triple-play services.
• OmniRural™ WiMAX Access Interface: 
  WiMAX Forum compliant Base Station at 2.3-2.4 / 2.5-2.7 / 3.3-3.8 GHz, with advanced MIMO technology and leading performance.
• OmniRural™ PtMP Backhaul Interface: 
  High-capacity, four-sectored Base Station at 10.5 / 26 / 28 GHz, suitable for short-haul backhaul applications, with legacy (E1) and Ethernet interfaces.
• OmniRural™ PtP Backhaul Interface: 
  Native IP microwave radios at 6 to 38 GHz, with nodal configuration (four branches), high capacity up to 1.6 Gbps / 4+0 links, adaptive modulation / link optimization, and E1 interfaces (through PWE technology).
• OmniRural™ Ecosystem: 
  A wide partner ecosystem with consumer devices, core infrastructure, business and operations suites, for building greenfield networks.
• Depending on its role within the network, a Smart Node is equipped with one of more of the aforementioned interfaces. The modular composition ensures flexibility in upgrading the node and extending the network, according to the business requirements.
• OmniRural™ brings several design innovations:
• Compact, small form-factor components for transmission and access.
• The network interfaces in all technology platforms share the same Ethernet and IP functionality stacks, which assures long-term evolution and common roadmap. Interconnection between the access and backhaul units, within a node, is truly plug-n-play.
• All technology platforms have been designed to operate with extremely low power consumption. A typical node requires less than 450 W, which allows operation on renewable energy sources.
• All Smart Nodes are deployed outdoors, through an advanced enclosure. The node cabinet is lightweight and can be mounted on antenna masts or on wall surfaces. For special climates, heat-exchange or A/C models are also available.
• All technology platforms, including the cabinet, are managed by a unified management suite of advanced FCPS functionality and intuitive interface.