Introducing Huawei’s PEN technology: Transforming campus networking with First Distribution

Huawei's PEN technology reduces operational complexity.

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First Distribution is committed to bringing leading-edge technologies to its partner ecosystem – backed by the comprehensive support you need to win and deliver confidently.

First Distribution stands out through its comprehensive professional presales support – from technical scoping and solution design guidance to partner- and customer-facing presentations. The company's goal is simple: to empower you with the expertise, tools and solutions that accelerate your success.

One of the standout innovations it is proud to bring to the market is Huawei’s Passive Ethernet Network (PEN) – a next-generation campus networking architecture designed for simplicity, performance and energy efficiency.

PEN (Passive Ethernet Network) is Huawei’s breakthrough approach that blends the energy efficiency of passive optical systems with the high performance and familiarity of ethernet. Instead of traditional active aggregation switches, PEN uses passive aggregation modules – resulting in a more sustainable, simplified and future-ready network design.

Modern enterprises are rapidly evolving. From AI-driven operations to increasingly device-heavy environments, network demands are growing. Huawei’s PEN is engineered to address these challenges head-on:

• Designed for AI and smart environments with high bandwidth needs.
• Reduces operational complexity by consolidating traditional multi-layer campus networks.
• Supports green initiatives with a passive, energy-efficient design.
• Enables future scalability as digital transformation accelerates.

1. Ultra-broadband access

• Up to 10GE delivered directly to each room.
• Up to 160GE of core bandwidth in a single chassis.
• Scales up to 96 × 10GE optical ports per device.
• A clear upgrade path towards 800GE.

2. Simplified architecture

• Pure ethernet stack – fewer protocol conversions.
• “One device, one network” design eliminates multi-layer complexity.
• Significantly reduces network nodes and O&M overhead.

3. Energy efficiency

• Passive aggregation modules dramatically reduce power usage.
• Low-power remote units (<1 W per port).
• Reduced cabling and infrastructure needs support greener buildings.

4. Built-in security

• Advanced authentication and anti-spoofing mechanisms.
• Fewer active devices = reduced attack surface.
• Faster fault detection and simpler network monitoring.

5. Intelligent operations

• Plug-and-play remote units streamline deployment.
• Digital network map provides full visibility.
• AI-powered O&M enables large-scale campus management with minimal resources.

Huawei PEN is particularly well suited for:

• Universities and schools.
• Hospitals and large healthcare environments.
• Hotels and high-density accommodation.
• Organisations prioritising green infrastructure.
• Enterprises with small or overstretched IT teams.

As with any major architecture shift, customers should consider:

• Initial capex for new chassis and RU components.
• Fibre-to-room readiness.
• Need for IT team training.
• A planned migration approach from traditional three-layer designs.

First Distribution can assist with assessing these requirements, planning migration strategies and delivering tailored presales support to ensure successful adoption.

Huawei’s PEN solution represents a bold step forward for campus networking – combining high performance, simplified operations, sustainability and scalability. With the shift towards AI-driven environments and modern digital applications, PEN provides the backbone needed for next-generation campus connectivity.

As a valued added distributor, First Distribution is here to help you evaluate, position and deliver this solution, ensuring your customers get maximum value with minimal complexity.

If your customers are exploring network upgrades or greenfield designs, Huawei PEN is a standout option – and the First Distribution team is ready to support you every step of the way.