Orange Belgium pioneers CommScope VUE platform in Europe

Orange Belgium has deployed CommScope's Video Unified Edge (VUE) platform within its Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) network, marking the platform's first implementation in the European market.

Previously, CommScope supported Orange Belgium with its analogue optics network deployments, but this VUE deployment expands the companies' relationship by providing new support for network modernisation and the operator's wider business strategies.

The VUE platform will serve as the video core in Orange Belgium's DAA network. It supports both the video data plane and video control plane, enabling video delivery over the DAA network segments and streamlining the video delivery infrastructure.

"The VUE sale extends our business relationship with Orange Belgium to include support for the company's newly deployed Distributed Access Architecture (DAA). Whereas we've previously supported Orange Belgium's analog optics network deployments, the VUE sale opens an entirely new way for us to support their network upgrades and business goals. We're excited to see what comes next for Orange Belgium and CommScope," Guy Sucharczuk, Senior Vice President and President of Access Network Solutions at CommScope, stated.

The VUE platform acts as an auxiliary video core by virtualising previously hardware-based QAM video network functions with a virtualised video plane. It integrates with node-based Remote PHY Devices (RPDs) where QAM processing occurs in a DAA network. The technology enables support for expanded OFDM channel blocks downstream, provisions video channels, and encapsulates transport stream video multiplexers into a DEPI tunnel.

With this deployment, Orange Belgium is able to deliver video content across DAA segments while also reducing the complexity of its video delivery architecture.

"CommScope's VUE platform will play an important role in our transition away from our legacy I-CCAP topology. It's an extremely flexible solution, which aligns perfectly with our plans to evolve our networks for Cloud and NFV operation. The VUE platform will greatly simplify the migration to these new modes of operation, which will really improve their time to deployment," Philippe Toussaint, Chief Technology Officer at Orange Belgium, said.

The VUE platform forms part of CommScope's broader portfolio of access network products and solutions designed to support virtualised headend and DAA operations. Other products in this suite include the vCCAP Evo and vBNG Evo platforms, along with the ServAssure NXT Performance Management suite.

CommScope, a global leader in network infrastructure solutions, continues to redefine connectivity by addressing current challenges and pioneering innovations for future needs. The company collaborates with network partners worldwide to deliver advanced solutions that enhance connectivity and prepare for emerging demands.

Meanwhile, Orange Belgium stands as a prominent telecommunications operator in Belgium and Luxembourg, offering a comprehensive suite of fixed and mobile connectivity services to both residential and business customers. Through its subsidiary, Orange Communications Luxembourg, the company extends its reach within the region.