AFL Network Services Connects Buccament Bay Guests with Fiber-to-the-Cabana

Guests at the newly opening Buccament Bay Resort in St. Vincent, The Grenadines, will experience fiber optic-based communications services with the deployment of a Fiber-to-the-Cabana system from Grove Networks, AFL Network Services, and Tellabs.

Like many property owners, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, the owner of Buccament Bay Resort, understood that deploying traditional copper/coax architecture is not the best option for a new property, especially given the large geographic footprint of Buccament Bay Resort. While working with their technology consultant, Grove Networks of Miami, the Harlequin management team determined that the FTTC (Fiber to the Cabana) architecture had many advantages over a more traditional copper-based network, including delivery of high-bandwidth services to guests, and the ability to upgrade to future services seamlessly, without costly upgrades to existing infrastructure.

"Grove Networks provided a solution delivering all guest services over a common, managed infrastructure, not only providing significant cost savings over a traditional model, but also sufficient capacity for future services without additional infrastructure expense," said Joerg Roterberg, Vice President of Operations for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts. The fact that fiber is naturally immune to electromagnetic interference, lightning, and corrosion from saltwater also contributed to the decision to utilize a fiber, rather than copper architecture.

Grove Networks turned to AFL Network Services for complete design and implementation assistance. As a globally-recognized manufacturer and integrator of fiber optic components, AFL provided a complete package of passive fiber optic components and Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) components in conjunction with Tellabs equipment. Products include cables, closures, splitters, and panels for the passive portion of the network, and the Tellabs 1134 platform at the data center with individual Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) to provide voice, data, and video services for the cabanas.

"The complete package of products and services from AFL has enabled us to put together a state-of-the-art fiber optic infrastructure for Buccament Bay at a very reasonable price point," said Andrew Judge, Founder and CEO of Grove Networks Inc."AFL helped take the uncertainty out of the process, enabling us to build the right network the first time at the right price. The 1134 platform from Tellabs also provides enough room for growth so we know that the platform will serve the needs of our customer well into the future."

Visit AFL Network Services and Tellabs at the HITEC Conference in Orlando, Booth #743.

AFL Selected by Inova Multimedia for Wireless Infotainment Project

Spartanburg, South Carolina — September 16, 2009
AFL Network Services, an industry leader in wireless integration and engineering, announces they were selected by Inova Multimedia to support a turnkey Wi-Fi network installation in the New Jersey/New York area.

Chosen to deliver the TFT-based infotainment solution for the next generation railway cars, Inova Multimedia, the German-based technology company that specializes in digital signage and media for transportation applications, signed a long term contract with NBC Universal. AFL Network Services has been contracted by Inova to design the Wi-Fi transmission system and install BelAir Networks wireless infrastructure in several train stations.

"AFL’s solution was focused on providing Inova with the very best in terms of bandwidth throughput, scalability and reliability. As an end-to-end systems integrator, planning and implementing the technology solutions for municipal and mass transit projects fits directly into AFL’s sweet spot. We are pleased to be part of this high profile and exciting project. It is an excellent example of how transit authorities can leverage technology to meet the connectivity and information needs of their passengers", stated Kent Brown, vice president of AFL Network Services – Enterprise Division.

The railway cars carry some 200,000 passengers each day between Manhattan and New Jersey with volume expected to increase as growth continues to escalate in those areas. BelAir’s wireless networks will provide connectivity to the Inova technology located in each rail car, refreshing video content, advertising and passenger information provided by NBC Universal and the train operator. With a digital transmission system between the operation control center and the trains, passengers will be informed about the latest news, weather and sports and also the up-to-date ticketing information and travel updates about their journey.

AFL Network Services provides advanced technology and network management services using high-performance and very reliable Wi-Fi equipment manufactured by BelAir Networks. AFL also provides wireline and network management services.

About AFL Network Services
AFL Network Services is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 35 field offices in the U.S. and over 1300 employees, AFL provides telecommunications installation, maintenance and system integration services in the enterprise, wireline and wireless markets. For additional information on products and services offered by AFL Network Services and its affiliates visit www.AFLNetworkServices.com.

About Inova Multimedia
Inova Multimedia is a Germany based company that offers turnkey solutions for mobile and stationary information, entertainment and CCTV to public transport operators, vehicle manufactures and content providers. With experience in infotainment systems for over 10 years Inova Multimedia is established as a well known supplier with installations in major cities of the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Greece Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands and France. As of today they have installed over 2.000 cars and almost 20,000 screens. In the US Inova Multimedia LLC is based in Tulsa OK. For more details visit www.inova-multimedia.com.

About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the technology and market leader delivering the industry’s highest performance mobile broadband networking solutions for video, voice and data applications. Supporting the latest industry standards in the Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4.9 GHz, 5.9 GHz and 4.4 GHz spectrum bands, BelAir Networks solutions are built on a patented modular architecture enabling multiple frequencies on a single network. BelAir Networks indoor and outdoor broadband wireless solutions deploy quickly, blending into the physical environment and integrating easily with existing infrastructure. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company backed by investment from leading venture capital firms including Comcast Interactive Capital, T-Mobile Venture Fund and Trilogy Equity Partners. For more information about BelAir Networks products and customers, visit www.belairnetworks.com.

Omni Hotels Selects AFL Network Services for Wireless Integration

Spartanburg, South Carolina - May 27, 2009
AFL Network Services, an industry leader in hospitality technology integration and wireless engineering, announces they were selected for the wireless integration of the Omni Hotels commencing in 2009. The integration began with the Omni Fort Worth, the city's newest and largest hotel, which celebrated its grand opening January 12, 2009, followed by the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. BelAir Networks, a market leader in service provider WLAN, was selected for Wi-Fi deployments.

Omni Hotels was the first luxury hotel brand in the US to offer Wi-Fi system-wide with access in guest rooms and public spaces in 2003. Because Omni Hotels owns and manages the majority of their properties, technology support is centralized and standardized across the brand enabling rapid deployment and installation of new technology applications across the company. With a primary customer focus on upscale business and leisure travelers, Omni Hotels has experienced increased Internet use both in terms of the number of users as well as their bandwidth demands. This trend is driven by the growing number of Wi-Fi applications and mobile-enabled devices that guests use when they travel. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), in its study "2008 Current and Future Technology Use in the Hospitality Industry", identified Wi-Fi services as the "IT system that guests care about most." The importance of Wi-Fi to hotel guests in driving the hospitality industry's evolution to higher performance 802.11n based networks.

"With nearly 50 percent of our guests using Wi-Fi and their bandwidth demands continuing to accelerate, we sought a high-performance network partner which could ensure we continue to serve our customers' needs on a 'go-forward basis'," said Richard Tudgay, vice president of information technology for Omni Hotels. "BelAir Networks comprehensive portfolio of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi networking products enables us to deliver high-capacity, ubiquitous coverage that is cost-effective and easy for us to manage centrally."

Installed and serviced by AFL Network Services, driven by the powerful, feature-rich BelAirOS operating system software, and managed by BelView, BelAir Networks offers the industry's most comprehensive product portfolio of indoor access points (AP) and outdoor wireless nodes supporting both Wi-Fi and WiMAX as well as public safety, defense and intelligent transportation system (ITS) frequency bands. At the Omni Fort Worth, AFL Network Services deployed 77 BelAir20 APs. These best-in-class, ultra-compact and easily powered dual-radio, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi indoor APs employ hosted software-based control enabling centralized management and lowering network CapEx by about 30%. Configurable as a wired AP, a mesh point or a bridge from outside, the BelAir20 AP supports both wireless and wired backhaul.

"AFL Network Services' job is really to complement Omni Hotel's in-house IT team by providing design, installation and technical support on both the wireless network and the structured cabling so we have a huge stake in the success of their network," said Kent Brown, vice president of AFL Network Services' Enterprise Division. "We've worked with BelAir Networks on many hospitality and campus deployments, and the feedback from customers and end users is always extremely positive."

AFL Network Services' mission is to provide advanced hospitality technology and network management services using high-performance and very reliable Wi-Fi equipment. Partnering with BelAir, AFL is able to provide outstanding quality to drive guest satisfaction and quality.

"Omni Hotels has been a real innovator in providing Wi-Fi services so we're very proud to support the evolution of their Wi-Fi networks," said Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO, BelAir Networks. "Our experience with hospitality, telecom and cable operators has enabled us to craft a product portfolio that delivers high-performance, cost-effective Wi-Fi coverage that's easy to manage."

About AFL Network Services
AFL Network Services is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 35 field offices in the U.S. and over 1300 employees, AFL provides telecommunications installation, maintenance and system integration services in the enterprise, wireline and wireless markets. For additional information on products and services offered by AFL Network Services and its affiliates visit www.AFLNetworkServices.com.

About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the technology and market leader delivering the industry's highest performance mobile broadband networking solutions for video, voice and data applications. Supporting the latest industry standards in the Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4.9 GHz, 5.9 GHz and 4.4 GHz spectrum bands, BelAir Networks solutions are built on a patented modular architecture enabling multiple frequencies on a single network. BelAir Networks indoor and outdoor broadband wireless solutions deploy quickly, blending into the physical environment and integrating easily with existing infrastructure. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company backed by investment from leading venture capital firms including Comcast Interactive Capital, T-Mobile Venture Fund and Trilogy Equity Partners. For more information about BelAir Networks products and customers, visit www.belairnetworks.com.

About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 43 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1.800.THE.OMNI.

AFL Introduces the Noyes Pro Installer Kit

Clean, Inspect and Test – all with one kit!

Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 9, 2009
AFL Telecommunications announces the Noyes Pro Installer Kit, an installation test kit complete with a wide selection of fiber optic testing, cleaning and inspection equipment, enabling technicians to verify the integrity of installed fiber networks. The kit consists of an OTDR with an integrated Visual Fault Locator, Optical Power Meter, Optical Light Source and fiber connector inspection scope as well as cleaning supplies and test accessories, all within a convenient, tough injection-molded ABS carrying case.

Single-mode or multimode ready, the installer kit is ideal for Tier 1 and Tier 2 testing of premises (building and campus) networks or certification and troubleshooting of FTTx PON networks. It also provides fast fault location, splice verification, and network documentation.

For additional information, visit CLICK HERE.

About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.

AFL Selects Modular Integrated Solutions to Expand Its Data Center Capabilities

Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 7, 2009
AFL Network Services, Enterprise Division, a provider of telecommunications and maintenance services, announces an agreement with Modular Integrated Solutions, Inc. (MIS) to provide sales, installation and support services for Data Center in a Row (DCR). Installation and support services will be provided by AFL’s extensive technician network located in most major metropolitan centers throughout the United States.

"This partnership provides tremendous value for all of our current and future customers," said Rodger Gooch, Founder and President of MIS. "The stability and adaptability of the DCR design is perfectly matched with the performance strengths of AFL. We look forward to teaming with AFL Network Services to provide strong product and service combinations throughout the US."
The Data Center in a Row is a self-contained data center which includes all the essential components required to provide a total computer infrastructure complete with the following:

• A base module to support the cooling system, computer racks and fire detection/suppression and power distribution modules


• A mechanical cooling system (direct expansion) requiring no additional external mechanical cooling devices or chilled water or fluid cooling system for heat removal


• Standard commercially-available enclosed computer racks


• A single module housing an electrical distribution panel, fire detection and clean suppressing agent, surge suppression and back up cooling fan controls


• Plenum-rated power cables from the distribution panel to each computer cabinet and other support devices


• Return air modules to return the heated air to the cooling system


• Back up ventilation system complete with inlet dampers, low wattage fans and back draft dampers to provide sufficient ambient air flow through the cabinets to remove the heat generated by the computers in the event the mechanical cooling is not available

"Modular Integrated Solutions complements our existing business and provides added value for our customers," said Mike Booth, Executive Vice President of AFL Network Services. "With the Data Center in a Row, our customers will reap the rewards of a self-contained closed architecture system that provides air conditioning, power distribution, remote monitoring, fire detection and suppression in a single package, ultimately reducing their implementation and operating costs. It’s a must-have product for any data center."

The Data Center in a Row can be provided as a complete assembled system or can be assembled onsite. Additional sections (computer racks and mechanical cooling modules) can be added at a later date if additional electronic devices are added. With the addition of pin and sleeve electrical disconnects for the power cables and isolating valves for the mechanical cooling, the system can be relocated. By including the second electrical load center, the system can provide dual power feeds resulting in a dual buss system for higher tier rating and fault tolerance. The system can be provided with casters for easy re-location. The DCR is a closed architecture system. Therefore, it is more energy efficient than open architecture systems as it provides environmental control of the electronic equipment only, not the entire room.

Additional information on AFL and DCR can be found online.

About AFL Network Services
AFL Network Services is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 35 field offices in the U.S. and over 1300 employees, AFL provides telecommunications installation and maintenance services in the enterprise, wireline and wireless markets. For additional information on products and services offered by AFL Network Services and its affiliates visit www.AFLNetworkServices.com.

AFL Network Services Delivers End-to-End Managed Wi-Fi Service Solution to Hyatt Regency Newport

Spartanburg, South Carolina - March 4, 2009
With million dollar views and a recently completed $34 million dollar resort-wide renovation, the Hyatt Regency Newport’s spectacular private island location is the perfect setting for its event facility. Featuring versatile meeting space, the facility required high-performance mobile Wi-Fi coverage enabling guests to maintain seamless connectivity throughout the facility. AFL Network Services and BelAir Networks addressed these requirements as part of an end-to-end managed Wi-Fiservice solution.

“For our requirements, BelAir Networks’ products deliver the highest performance ubiquitous coverage at the lowest cost – and they’re quick and easy to deploy so there’s no disruption to our guests,” said Ron Hardin, IT Director, Davidson Hotel Company, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies. Davidson Hotel Company bought the Hyatt Regency Newport in a joint venture with Amstar Group in 2006. “Davidson Hotel Company consistently creates and enhances value in each of its owned and managed properties and BelAir Networks high-performance Wi-Fi has become part of that value proposition.”

AFL Network Services provides Davidson Hotel Company with an end–to-end managed Wi-Fi service solution to address their requirements at the Hyatt Regency Newport and other hotels and resorts in the Davidson portfolio. AFL deployed just eight BelAir100 wireless access points to provide high-performance Wi-Fi coverage of 27,000 square feet of function space, including ballrooms, meeting rooms and pre-function areas. AFL’s end-to-end solution at the Hyatt Regency Newport includes network design, installation, management and ongoing support. AFL also installed and supports a new Internet connectivity management and billing system along with a solution for application-specific traffic management and bandwidth shaping to ensure a consistent user experience.

“Because we’re providing an end-to-end managed Wi-Fi service solution, we want best-of- breed technology that’s easy to manage, and, of course, cost is always an issue,” said Kent Brown, Director, Access Solutions, AFL Network Services. “Whatever the deployment situation – indoors, outdoors, in both new installations and network upgrades/replacements – we’ve found that BelAir Networks’ comprehensive portfolio of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi networking products consistently deliver high-performance, highly reliable and very cost-effective Wi-Fi coverage that we can deploy quickly and manage both centrally and remotely.”

Driven by the powerful, feature-rich BelAirOS operating system software and managed by BelView, BelAir Networks offers the industry’s most comprehensive product portfolio of indoor access points (AP) and outdoor wireless nodes supporting both Wi-Fi and WiMAX, as well as public safety, defense and intelligent transportation system (ITS) frequency bands. BelAir Networks’ deployments require less equipment and wiring than traditional Wi-Fi access points, reducing the cost, time, labor and maintenance associated with the network deployment and its ongoing operation. Hosted software-based control enables centralized management and lowers network CapEx by about 30%. The highly reliable and esthetically attractive BelAir nodes and APs enable hotel operators to get Wi-Fi up and running quickly with no disruption to guests, visitors or staff.

“AFL’s extensive networking experience and commitment to providing end-to-end managed Wi-Fi service solutions enables leading hospitality operators and management companies, such as Davidson Hotel Company, to address increasing demand for high-performance wireless networking driven by the growing number of Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices and applications,” said Dave Park, VP, Product Marketing, BelAir Networks. “With a managed Wi-Fi service model, hotels and resorts can address Wi-Fi demand and opportunities without creating additional strain on internal IT resources.”

About AFL Network Services
AFL Network Services is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 35 field offices in the U.S. and over 1300 employees, AFL provides telecommunications installation and maintenance services in the enterprise, wireline and wireless markets. For additional information on products and services offered by AFL Network Services and its affiliates visit www.AFLNetworkServices.com.

About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the technology and market leader delivering the industry’s highest performance mobile broadband networking solutions for video, voice and data applications. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company backed by investment from leading venture capital firms including Comcast Interactive Capital, T-Mobile Venture Fund and Trilogy Equity Partners. For more information about BelAir Networks products and customers, visit www.belairnetworks.com.

About Davidson Hotel Company
Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Davidson Hotel Company is an award-winning, full-service hotel owner and third-party management company that provides management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. The company currently owns and/or manages 32 upscale, independent and branded hotels with nearly 9,100 rooms across the United States, including such affiliations as Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Marriott, Renaissance, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. Additional information on Davidson may be found at the company’s Web site, www.davidsonhotels.com.

Fiber-to-the-Home Made Easy

(As featured in the January issue of Sustainable Land Development Today)
By Kent Brown

AFL Telecommunications is helping developers evaluate and implement FTTH.

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and creation of a “technology amenity” is rapidly being discovered by developers as a powerful addition to what makes a community unique. In fact, RVA Market Research – a leading FTTH analyst, estimated that sixty percent of new master-planned communities that broke ground in 2007 included FTTH.

So what’s driving the exploding interest in FTTH? The complete answer can only be arrived at by examining FTTH from the perspective of all the stakeholders within a community: the developer, builder and – most importantly, the resident.

From the developer’s perspective, FTTH is a future-proof infrastructure that enables technology to become a compelling feature that defines a community. By differentiating a community and delivering unique marketing value, a FTTH amenity can accelerate lot sales – something particularly valuable in the current market conditions. Beyond the benefits to a developer’s core business, FTTH also creates an interesting business opportunity where developers can create their own company to deploy and operate the network, or partner with an established system operator. Either way, the business side of FTTH offers a compelling return on investment that is supported by the recurring revenue from residential services and the asset value of the network.

In addition to having primary responsibility for deploying and operating the network, a FTTH System Operator can provide developers numerous advantages versus traditional telecommunications and CATV service providers. Elements of each FTTH system and service offering are customized to each specific community. This provides a range of benefits from an “invisible network” solution that eliminates unsightly pedestals, to delivery of customized services such as community TV channels, WiFi coverage in common areas, security cameras and unique voice/video/data service bundles.

Home builders also share in the benefits provided by FTTH. The enhanced marketing value of a connected community improves foot traffic and potential customers. In addition, home builders can tap into the concept of a “Technology Amenity” to help drive deployment of in-home technology. This leads to improved margins on a per home basis and happier customers. FTTH makes home technology come alive for homeowners and savvy builders leverage this as part of their model home sales process.

With such a natural connection between FTTH and home technology, many FTTH System Operators are also low voltage system integrators. These operators are highly skilled at educating homeowners on FTTH from the moment they step in a model home until they move in their new home. Why is this important to home builders? The NAHB and Consumers Electronics Association report that while more than 80% of builders view in-home technology as a key component of their product, fewer than 2% actively market these solutions. FTTH System Operators are in an excellent position to fill this gap and help builders market and deliver home technology.

The most important stakeholder in a FTTH community is the resident. Every homeowner consumes bandwidth and relies on technology, but few intuitively understand the value of a FTTH community verses traditional solutions. So what are the differences? They include small things like having all services turned on at the time of move-in to having neighborhood “technology consultants” at hand to assist with questions on service offerings, equipment and in-home technology. Content and services are also a priority. Many FTTH systems are able to access over 100 HD channels, which makes watching standard TV as painful as dial-up. In addition to ultra-fast internet access, FTTH systems can offer custom solutions for telecommuters and specialty interests such as internet gaming or international TV programming. Community and home security are priorities for most residents and FTTH can support everything from community-based IP cameras to traditional home security.

With benefits that range from a new business opportunity to creation of a technology amenity that has the power to differentiate a community and satisfy consumer demand for advanced services and technology, FTTH should be evaluated by every developer.