HFR Networks offers flexiHaul xWave 400G Solution for 5G network support

April 15, 2021
xWave leverages O-Band optics to enable high performance as well as lower costs than alternatives for Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) 5G mobile transport.

HFR Networks has expanded its flexiHaul line of xHaul RAN transport and edge access products with the flexiHaul xWave 400G solution. xWave leverages O-Band optics in a hot-pluggable QSFP-28 form factor to enable high performance as well as lower costs than alternatives for Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) 5G mobile transport via single- or dual-fiber topologies.

flexiHaul xWave enables network operators to deploy multichannel WDM capabilities over existing fiber to enable 400G transport at a lower cost than the application of 400G coherent optics. Operators can scale in increments of 100 Gbps to enable a “pay-as-you-grow” approach, HFR Networks adds.

The O-Band centric design is engineered specifically for converged RAN transport, the company adds. Use of xWave will substantially reduce failure points as well, as each wavelength terminates only at its designated site while the other wavelengths pass through via optical filters, HFR Networks explains.

“HFR Networks’ flexiHaul xWave solution was designed to address the capacity and transport challenges that operators face in today’s competitive 5G marketplace,” stated Paul Crann, CEO, HFR Networks. “By enabling operators to scale capacity only as it is needed and over existing fiber, this solution lowers costs while increasing operational flexibility to help drive a faster time to market with superior economics.”

HFR Networks’ flexiHaul Smart Tunable Optics recently received a 4.0 score in the 2021 Lightwave Innovation Reviews (see “HFR Networks: flexiHaul Smart Tunable Optics”).

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.

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