The 2024 Network Innovators’ Awards have wrapped up and this year and we had 23 honorees. This is our second year, so the big increase is a hopeful sign for the future of the Awards.
The following is packed with innovations. These awards are open to not just new gadgets, but also software and systems that move the industry forward.
I hope that as you look over these marvels, you’ll feel inspired by their work. Because I believe that all of us are capable of extraordinary work and brilliant innovations, no matter what part of the industry we work in.
cOS™ Broadband Platform
The cOS™ Broadband Platform from Harmonic is a Bronze Honoree.
“Harmonic’s cOS Broadband Platform is the driving force behind DOCOMO PACIFIC swiftly rolling out fiber-to-the-premises broadband service in just five weeks, an unparalleled, groundbreaking milestone. Faced with the aftermath of weather-related outages, the leading Guam-based telecom provider prioritized restoring connectivity for over 10,000 residents across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Harmonic's cOS, coupled with the Wharf DAAS/CRE switch and Fin optical line terminals, facilitated rapid deployment in a disaggregated access architecture, enhancing network simplification, flexibility, and cost efficiency.”
From the judges: “Interesting platform that should help with broadband deployment.”
Zyxel EE6601-00
The Zyxel EE6601-00 from Zyxel Communications is a Bronze Honoree.
“The Zyxel EE6601 Tri-Band Wireless BE19000 10G Ethernet VoIP Gateway with SFP+ is built to simplify service providers’ and subscribers’ lives both from a hardware and maintenance perspective.
The technology supports Wi-Fi 7 standards, allowing service providers to future-proof their premium, lag-free streaming Wi-Fi services. It offers multiple WAN options with a 10GbE WAN pot, three 1GbE LAN ports, and a built-in SFP+ cage, enabling flexible XGS-PON/GPON (P2M) or Gigabit active fiber (P2P) configuration to meet bandwidth-intensive needs and simplifying deployment in existing copper or fiber network infrastructure.”
From the judges: “Definitely a solid product.”
RXT-6800 Advanced 800G Multi-Service Test Module
The RXT-6800 Advanced 800G Multi-Service Test Module from VeEX is a Bronze Honoree.
“The RXT-6800 builds on the RXT family of high-speed modules, specifically the evolution from the RXT-6402 400G test set, to 800G. RXT is the industry’s most flexible, compact, and future-proof handheld test solution for Core, Metro, Data Center, Access, and R&D lab applications. The RXT-6800 expands the RXT family’s applications and flexibility to 800G multi-service testing. Equipped with a single port 800G and dual port 400G, along with dual port interfaces for 200G/100G/50G/40G/25G/10G/1G, it supports 800G QSFPDD, QSFP112 transceivers, QSFPDD 400G, and other common transceiver form factors, AOCs and DACs.”
From the judges: “Innovative product, the user interface seems very intuitive.”
Superior Essex's New Website
Superior Essex Communication's new website is a Bronze Honoree.
“The culmination of this innovative endeavor has fundamentally redefined how customers interact with their brand. The website is now a dynamic gateway, facilitating meaningful engagement between their brand and customers. The BABA/BEAD landing page is designed as a user-centric platform that prioritizes ease of navigation, ensuring a smooth journey for users from first click to final transaction.”
From the judges: “The website has a nice look and feel to it. It's clearly a crucial milestone in how their clients engage with them.”
Versatile Splice Closure for Rural Broadband
The Versatile Splice Closure for Rural Broadband from Prysmian is a Bronze Honoree.
“There are many good closures on the market today. However, BEAD projects are creating new requirements for closures. By definition, these projects weren't financially feasible in the past, due to lower densities and different deployment conditions. So, it's no surprise that existing closures are not optimized for this market. The Eagle closure addresses emerging requirements for Rural Broadband…”
From the judges: “Flexible usage, made in America, and at a good price point. Fits the needs for Rural Broadband builds and BEAD projects.”
The Telecom Operating System
The Telecom Operating System from Lightyear is a Bronze Honoree.
“Lightyear’s Procurement software digitizes and automates telecom procurement from RFP through implementation for one site or hundreds—all backed by the industry’s most robust dataset. Enterprises and BSPs can utilize Lightyear Procurement to create digital telecom RFPs, receive pre-validated best-price quotes, sign contracts, digitally track and manage installations, and manage procurement across an enterprise team digitally. When managing telecom procurement in this manner, enterprises and BSPs can cut hundreds of tedious hours from circuit procurement while ensuring services are always purchased at the best possible price.”
From the judges: “This is the first time I've run across a system like this—nicely done.”
144-1728F Compact Armored Central Core IBR Outdoor OFC
The 144-1728F Compact Armored Central Core IBR Outdoor OFC from HFCL Limited is a Silver Honoree.
“The Compact Armored Central Core Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) cable family utilizes a revolutionary, patent-pending design that eliminates the need for an inner tube or jacket, significantly enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of network deployments. An innovative hybrid fiberglass/steel protective sheath provides the toughness demanded from an armored cable, while allowing much smaller bend radii than competing armored cables.”
From the judges: “An intelligent redesign of traditional armored cable, this design is innovative. It appears to save some time with workability per the time study findings which always brings benefit to the business. Most notably is its reduced bend radius requirements and environmental footprint from a manufacturing material perspective.”
VETRO Mobile
VETRO Mobile from VETRO is a Silver Honoree.
“VETRO Mobile is the mobile companion app for VETRO FiberMap—a best-in-class fiber management platform for Broadband Service Providers. Now BSP’s can take their network map with them into the field and make edits and sync changes instantly. VETRO Mobile is purpose-built to transform network field operations, enhance productivity, and streamline how BSP’s handle their network data. It bridges the gap between the office and the job site and enhances design walkouts by consolidating diverse field data into a real-time and visually managed pipeline.”
From the judges: “This is terrific and a big step in the right direction.”
RXT-4113+ xWDM OTDR Test Module
The RXT-4113+ xWDM OTDR Test Module from VeEX is a Silver Honoree.
“The RXT-4113+ xWDM OTDR module is designed to operate with the VeEX RXT-1200 multi-service, modular test platform. With the evolution of communication network architectures, OTDRs have also had to evolve to meet the diverse test and measurement needs of modern fiber optic networks. Historically, customers would buy different types of OTDRs depending on the network type they had to evaluate. To support multiple network types, another OTDR had to be installed or swapped.
The RXT-4113+ xWDM OTDR module can be configured to offer test support for various fiber optic networks and requirements. Contractors prefer to carry a single OTDR with built-in launch fiber to verify correct channel routing and provision network testing.”
From the judges: “I liked the all-in-one approach to minimize the number of different tests sets that techs would need to carry. Robust software feature set and rugged hardware.”
FX120 PON Analyzer & Multi-Gig Service QoE Test Set
The FX120 PON Analyzer & Multi-Gig Service QoE Test Set from VeEX is a Silver Honoree.
“The VeEX Next Gen FX120 PON Analyzer and Multi-Gigabit Service QoE test set allows technicians to validate and maintain PON network and service layer testing with the use of one device. As an all-in-one PON analyzer, one touch of a button allows you to switch between PON networks such as GPON, XG(S)-PON, EPON, 10G EPON, and RF video to analyze and determine the root of your problems.”
From the judges: “All-in-one meter for complete testing is a great feature. Easy to use with clear menus.”
Fiber Driver
The Fiber Driver from Jameson Tools is a Silver Honoree.
“The Jameson Fiber Driver is an ergonomic, efficient, and cost-effective tool designed for installing final drop cables into ducts. It offers a stress-free cable installation method that minimizes cable buckling. With the use of a standard power drill (battery or corded) it will push fiber optics cable into conduit quickly and efficiently. Because it uses a power tool, it requires very little effort from the operator, which reduces fatigue, plus it allows for the job to be completed more quickly. This allows service providers to complete more jobs in the same amount of time.”
From the judges: “The fiber driver provides a very mobile solution for placement of the common flat drop into a conduit up to 1". The design feature of working with a cordless drill is very beneficial and delivers a product requiring no training and, from the information provided, greatly reduces the effort and time that would traditionally be needed to pull in a drop via the manual method.”
Comprehensive Broadband Availability & Data Mapping
Comprehensive Broadband Availability & Data Mapping from Esri is a Silver Honoree.
"Esri, Inc.'s ArcGIS® solutions provide comprehensive tools for broadband and data mapping, significantly aiding customers in achieving their strategic objectives, optimizing operational expenditures, and creating new avenues for revenue generation. The product addresses the pressing need for accurate broadband mapping, which is crucial for informing investment decisions aimed at connecting underserved communities."
From the judges: “This is the most comprehensive mapping tool for BB availability and data. Its capabilities are of great value to those who need this service.”
REVOLink3 - 3-in-One Drop Cable Solution
The REVOLink3 - 3-in-One Drop Cable Solution from Emtelle is a Silver Honoree.
“Emtelle's REVOLink3 cable represents a revolutionary shift in FTTH installations, offering BSPs unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. By harnessing this innovative solution, BSPs can overcome traditional barriers and deliver high-quality broadband connectivity to even the most remote areas, unlocking new opportunities for growth and expansion in emerging markets.”
From the judges: “Simple, flexible drop installation tool should help reduce time and cost of getting that last part of the network in place. Love the use of the drill to provide the power! Well done.”
CyberPower CP1500PFCRM2U PFC Sinewave Short-Depth UPS System
The CyberPower CP1500PFCRM2U PFC Sinewave Short-Depth UPS System from CyberPower Systems is a Silver Honoree.
“The CyberPower CP1500PFCRM2U PFC Sinewave Short-Depth UPS System provides battery power backup, surge protection, and EMI/RFI noise filtering for security systems, audio/visual equipment, networking, storage devices, telecommunications, and sensitive electronics requiring an active PFC power source. Its shorter-depth (10.5") allows it to fit easily into wall-mount racks, while allowing for more accessible cable management. The user-friendly, multifunction color LCD Control Panel quickly displays UPS status.”
From the judges: “Nice straightforward product that could have a home in huts, CEVs, etc. Great form factor for mounting in limited space installations.”
RFTS-400 Remote Fiber Test System (RFTS)
The RFTS-400 Remote Fiber Test System (RFTS) from VeEX is a Gold Honoree.
"The RFTS-400 is the newest addition to VeEX’s monitoring solutions. Used as a standalone fiber monitoring probe or as part of VeEX VeSion, a centralized, multi-probe monitoring system for fiber, RF-CATV or Ethernet networks, the RFTS-400 supports dark fiber monitoring, in-service monitoring, PON construction and monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, and security monitoring applications. The RFTS-400 can be operated via its built-in serverless monitoring system, designed to offer similar user experiences whether it’s operated in standalone mode or as part of a large-scale VeSion Remote Fiber Test System (RFTS)."
From the judges: “This design is well thought out and provides an array of configuration options for limited space applications. Its expansion ability provides a great opportunity for monitor dense fiber networks in urban settings from a single optical control module.”
Fiber IQ™
Fiber IQ™ from VCTI is a Gold Honoree.
“Fiber IQ™, powered by two additional VCTI products, Pole IQ™ and Geology IQ™, enables service providers to significantly improve the efficiency of their capital investments to expand and/or upgrade broadband networks.”
From the judges: “This product will certainly lessen the time it takes to engineer certain parts of the network and will take the guess work out of the assumptions that need to be made by engineers.”
Genesee™ Dispersion Compensation ASIC
The Genesee™ Dispersion Compensation ASIC from Precision Optical Technologies is a Gold Honoree.
“Precision’s Advanced Engineering Group (AEG) designed and manufactured the Dispersion Compensation ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) called Genesee, using patent-pending technology to address the impact of data quality in DWDM networks as distance increases. While today’s 10G DWDM transceivers can facilitate transmission distances of up to 80km, available 25G DWDM optical transceiver solutions fall short, limiting network operators to 10-15km distances unless specialized equipment is employed for longer links.”
From the judges: “This product clearly hits the mark on the need to achieve greater data ranges. What sets it apart from the competition and makes it even more valuable, is that it is non-invasive! Many times, when we're upgrading the network, we need to change out fiber or other components and/or network elements. That's not the case here. This allows you to do more with your existing infrastructure.”
Monolith Underground Enclosure
The Monolith Underground Enclosure from NewBasis, LLC is a Gold Honoree.
"The new patented Monolith® underground enclosure (US Patent #11,931,930) is the market's strongest and most durable.
Combines fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer concrete to create a smooth one-piece enclosure (Monolith®) that exceeds T22 load testing. It also incorporates a tapered design (a first for polymer enclosures) that will allow installers more interior volume and can be stacked, which will allow for a smaller shipping footprint.”
From the judges: “The vault/manhole enclosure provides benefits for installers and logistics with an innovative design and material approach. These products are typically (and literally) overlooked but can make a big difference in first installed and maintenance cost. So glad there is still innovation in this area.”
1FINITY™ T900 Series Transponder
The 1FINITY™ T900 Series Transponder from Fujitsu is a Gold Honoree.
“The Fujitsu 1FINITY™ T900 Series Transponder delivers extreme performance, automation and sustainability for regional, metro and long-haul networks … The next-generation T900 Series Transponder features terabit speeds on a single wavelength, sustainable liquid cooling and greater capacity for seamless scaling. Moreover, the T900 Series Transponder is included in the 1FINITY Ultra Optical System platform that also enables AI/ML automation to optimize end-to-end service delivery. This hyper-reliable optical transport platform provides the ideal balance of cost, reach and capacity with simplified operation.”
From the judges: “Fujitsu's latest transponder innovation is another great step in performance. It brings new speed and reliability through better cooling.”
Evolv® Single-Fiber Pushlok™ Adapter
The Evolv® Single-Fiber Pushlok™ Adapter from Corning is a Gold Honoree.
"Corning’s One Fiber (1F) Pushlok™ Adapter reduces complexity and time to deploy a network by giving operators more options to connect a customer location. The 1F Pushlok Adapter leverages Corning's Pushlok Technology, allowing for direct connection between two Pushlok connectors. This versatility enables the extension of any Pushlok drop or assembly with another."
From the judges: “This adapter is brilliant! The ability to quickly connect a customer saves time and money and improves customer satisfaction. The clicking sound is good affirmation that you have a solid connection.”
LOC-DROP® Fiber Drop Repair Solution
The LOC-DROP® Fiber Drop Repair Solution from Enginuity is a Platinum Honoree.
“The LOC-DROP® Fiber Drop Repair Solution was developed based on the ISP’s need to reduce the cost to repair a subscriber outage caused by a severed fiber drop cable. With the explosion in FTTH subscriptions, the challenge the service provider faces each day is reducing the restoration cost to repair a damaged fiber drop cable. Due to fiber’s low-loss characteristics, some service providers have increased the length of the typical subscriber drop cable from 50-300 ft to 1,000-2,000 ft. This long cable length, along with obstacles such as driveways, roadways, sidewalks, patios, etc, adds up to significant restoration cost if replacing the entire drop was the only solution. The LOC-DROP contains several design innovations to support the wide range of drop repair field conditions…”
From the judges: “Great idea and execution. An innovative product that will reduce repair time for fiber cuts. The product can be used in a direct buried or aerial application.”
Evolv® Solution With Multifiber Pushlok™ Technology
The Evolv® Solution With Multifiber Pushlok™ Technology from Corning is a Platinum Honoree.
“Corning’s new Multifiber Pushlok™ technology and its pre-connectorized FTTx solution evolves outside plant hardened connectivity solutions to unlock increased network deployment speeds, ease-of-use, and sustainability. With the broadband industry at a critical juncture and a historic level of government funding available, Multifiber Pushlok helps network operators overcome increased challenges such as cost constraints, labor shortages, and challenging build timelines to connect the unconnected.”
From the judges: “Love the attention to increasing installation efficiency. Any labor and material savings that providers can gain are great. This has the potential to speed deployment up quite a bit. The ability to use smaller duct sizes will be beneficial as well. Nicely done.”
Fujikura 45S Cladding Alignment Fusion Splicer
The Fujikura 45S Cladding Alignment Fusion Splicer from AFL is a Platinum Honoree.
“The 45S cladding alignment fusion splicer is changing the way people splice fiber in small to mid-fiber count applications. This Fujikura splicer debuts a landmark improvement to the fusion splicing process with the ability to prepare and load both fibers simultaneously. After preparation, the 45S patented sheath clamps enable the loading of both fibers simultaneously into the splicer with one fiber in each hand. The user can press down on the sheath clamp base to close it while positioning the fiber in the v-grooves. This enables one-handed operation and saves operational costs.”
From the judges: “The Fujikura 45S Cladding Alignment Fusion Splicer is the epitome of technology adapting and evolving to meet the technician more than halfway, greatly reducing the time and skill required in the fusion splicing process.
