Interoperability of RED_C Self Managed EDFA with ROADM

Sept. 1, 2004- RED-C Optical Networks Ltd., a leading provider of intelligent optical modules based on optical amplifier technology, introduced today an elegant solution for the incorporation of Reconfigurable Optical Add/ Drop Modules (ROADM) in optical networks.

ROADM allows a dynamic setting of the wavelengths (channels) to be dropped or loaded at each of the network’s ports. A network combining ROADM is capable of flexible wavelength allocation, enabling an immediate response to customers’ demands and to fluctuating market demands. Inflexible channel allocation is now a thing of the past. The first phase of the dream of on-demand re-configurable optical networks has arrived.

RED-C has successfully eliminated ROADM disadvantages and its solution includes:

Eliminates high optical insertion loss, which negatively affects network OSNR.
Does away with the need for a spectrum analyzer, OCM (Optical Channel Monitor) unit and communication interface to close its spectral operation loop. Costs are slashed [use substantially reduced if you want to blunt effect] and network performance is improved.
 
4\Leading Optical Chip and Module Manufacturers Announce 10 Gbit/s Miniature Device (XMD) MSA for TOSA/ROSA

September 1, 2004: Leading Optical Manufacturers Avanex Corp., Eudyna Devices Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Opnext, Inc., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., and TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc., today announced the release of new common specifications for long-reach optical devices based on a 10 Gbit/s Miniature Device Multi-Source Agreement (XMD-MSA). The XMD-MSA specifications are designed for applications from short-to-long reach transmission functions.

Specifications established by the XMD-MSA enables the use of optical devices from multiple suppliers. The XMD-MSA has been created to establish compatible sources of 10 Gbit/s Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly (TOSA) and Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (ROSA) devices embedded into the 10 Gbit/s small form factor pluggable (XFP) MSA modules. The XFP module has been designed for use in large capacity network and data storage systems. This XMD-MSA covers optical devices that comply with 10 Gbit/s interface standards, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Fiber Channel and SONET OC-192.

The newly available XMD-MSA specifications detail the semiconductor-based external modulator TOSA and Avalanche Photo-Diode Trans-Impedance Amplifier (APD-TIA) for long-reach (beyond 20 km) applications. XMD-MSA specifications now cover transmission applications for most optical networking systems.

These specifications for interchangeable TOSA/ROSA devices include:

Common Mechanical Dimensions including optical connector interface that determines the design of the XFP optical head
Common electrical interface standards using flexible printed circuit (FPC)
Optical and electrical characteristics

The MSA committee plans to revise TOSA/ROSA specifications issued on June 7. The revised specifications will be available on September 30 from any member of the XMD-MSA

5\Marconi Signs Mutual Distribution Agreement with ZTE

August 31, 2004 — Marconi Corporation plc announced it has signed a Mutual Distribution Agreement (MDA) with ZTE Corporation that allows either company to distribute specified products from the other. The one-year agreement will initially focus on the SDH-based Marconi Digital Radio System (MDRS) and ZTE's Coarse Wave Division Multiplexing (CWDM) equipment, and other products could be added to the scope of the deal in the future.

The agreement is beneficial for both companies. For Marconi, it helps the company deliver on its stated strategy of developing new routes to market in key regions and segments. It also allows Marconi to enhance its product portfolio by providing access to complementary equipment and capabilities as well as more aggressively position and expand its highly regarded SDH radio platform into new markets and opportunities.

For ZTE, it gains access to a proven SDH radio platform from Marconi that can be used in backbone and mobile backhaul projects as well as a route to market in Europe for its new CWDM platform.