RED-C Optical Networks Ltd., a specialist in EDFA and Raman amplifiers, has launched a product suite aimed at PON and WDM-PON access links. The new range of WDM-PON amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) sources comprises sources for C-Band (upstream) and L-Band (downstream) transmission, as well as combined C+L Band sources. These devices provide a broadband source to generate seed signals for the upstream and/or downstream transmitters. These ASE sources, which come in standard 70x90x15-mm modules, feature high total output power (up to 22 dBm in the C-Band, and 17 dBm in the L-Band) and spectral flatness of <2 dB peak-to-peak. The family of PON Reach Extenders enables PON links to be increased from 20 km up to 60 km, and/or the number of subscribers served (the split ratio) to be increased from 32 up to 128. Thus, rural and outlying suburbs may be more easily served, and central offices (COs) may be consolidated to reduce cost and complexity. As described by the company, the amplifiers, for upstream and downstream transmission, are:
- PON Raman - This distributed Raman pre-amplifier for the 1310-nm upstream signal uses cost-effective pump laser diodes and includes RED-C’s patented automatic power reduction technology for laser safety. A technical paper relating to this product will be presented at OFC in collaboration with BT (paper NTu1J.3).
- PON Booster - This booster EDFA for the 1490-nm downstream signal features high output power (up to 15 dBm) while avoiding signal distortions characteristic of SOA technology. The amplifiers can be deployed at the central office, keeping the outside fiber plant completely passive and maintaining the simplicity and low operating costs of GPON installations. The use of these amplifiers allows up to 10 dB of extra link budget. They can be either integrated into equipment vendor systems or provided as standalone network elements for use with unmodified existing systems.
Yossi Boker, RED-C’s president and CEO, commented, “Leveraging our proven expertise with EDFA and Raman technology, RED-C now offers a unique suite of solutions for the fiber access market, which is one of the fastest growing segments in optical communications.”
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