Research & Development

R&D Overview

The R&D program is administered by Pacific Broadband Networks (PBN) and Pacific Broadband Research (PBR).  From our humble beginnings, the company’s R&D program has come such a long way.  Throughout the years, PBN has organically funded its R&D activities by means of excellent sales revenue.  The R&D programs have been the foundation of the advanced optical broadband products that have allowed PBN to stamp such a strong footprint as a leading supplier globally.

PBN has always accommodated an in-house research and development department in Melbourne, Australia.  The company is very proud of the fact that it has been able to expand its R&D operations by opening up a second R&D centre located in Beijing, China.  Both facilities comprise of state-of-the-art testing and certification equipment.  The R&D team provides close support to the engineering, manufacturing, services and maintenance areas of PBN.

PBN continues to be focused on new generation broadband networks.  The focus is primarily in fast-moving industries like MSO’s, Telco’s and ICT.  With the increasing advancements of technologies, it is extremely important to ensure that individual and team knowledge is current and relevant in today’s industry worldwide.  PBN has an extensive knowledge on developing innovative products for HFC, FTTx, RFoG, Ethernet and DOCSIS applications.

The distinguishing factor between PBN and other companies is that PBN designs, develops and manufactures its own technology in-house.  This means we control every aspect of the R&D phase.  We say why, what, how and when.

By working closely with a range of industry groups, PBN has played an active role in the development of the next generation FTTx EPON technology.  PBN is an active member of the international standard IEEE 802.3ah - EFM group who is responsible for the development of standards used in FTTx technologies; and also SCTE.

Technology Focus

The technology focus of the R&D Group is comprehensive.

• Optical Broadband Technology – Transmission of video, voice and data over optical fibre.  FTTx, DWDM, EDFA and Optical TX design.
• RF Design - RF and microwave design in CATV broadband networks.
• Embedded Design - Embedded microcontrollers and microprocessor design for system control of broadband equipment.
• Software Design – Element Management (EMS) and Network Management (NMS) development for broadband telecommunication networks.

R&D Expertise

The expertise of the R&D Group is comprehensive.

• CATV and HFC product design.
• FTTx P2P and P2MP design.
• RFoG product design.
• WDM and EDFA optical devices.
• Optical network system design.
• RF broadband and DOCSIS testing.
• Ethernet and VoIP design and testing.
• EMC standards and measurements.
• Network management system software.

R&D Capabilities

• Electronic designs, circuits and PCBs.
• Designs for manufacturing.
• Industrial designs.
• Firmware designs and embedded systems.
• Software designs and distribution architecture.
• Quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Comprehensive RF and PON testing capabilities.
• Environmental testing.
• OEM product developments.

Roadmap

PBN continues to enhance its existing product range and create new products in the area of HFC, FTTx, RFoG and Software.