LAS VEGAS -- International CTIA WIRELESS 2010 -- Adtran Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTN) is leveraging its expertise in Ethernet services to bulk up its mobile backhaul offering, introducing a NetVanta 8044M modular Ethernet access gateway that gives backhaul providers a transition path from copper to fiber lines.

While most mobile backhaul providers are moving to fiber deployments to offer the maximum bandwidth, current demands may press existing copper lines into service, and delivering Ethernet over those links makes the most sense, says Jason Morgan, director of product management at Adtran.

"What we have done is taken the solutions we have for multiple forms of access -- fiber, bonded copper, etc. -- and multiple types of services -- TDM, Ethernet -- and made it as easy as possible for wireless service providers to put together an Ethernet service," Morgan says.

The Adtran gateway can be deployed today using existing copper and then upgraded to fiber without requiring re-provisioning of the box, to simplify service provider operations, administration and maintenance processes, according to Morgan. Service providers can adopt a "pay-as-you-go" approach to deploying fiber.

The Adtran NetVanta 8044M will be generally available in July of 2010 and supports access rings as well as point-to-point deployments.

— Carol Wilson, Chief Editor, Events, Light Reading