Lumentum offers SDN optical white box line

March 21, 2016
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LITE) has kicked off the era of optical "white box" generic platforms for software-defined network (SDN) applications. The optical component and subsystem company, which has long offered pre-packaged line cards under the Super Transport Blade and TrueFlex names (see, for example, "JDSU integrates WSS, EDFA, OCM in a single blade"), has used that expertise to develop software-configurable rack-mountable terminal amplifier, line amplifier, mux/demux, and ROADM for data center interconnect and metro edge fiber-optic network applications.

Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LITE) has kicked off the era of optical "white box" generic platforms for software-defined network (SDN) applications. The optical component and subsystem company, which has long offered pre-packaged line cards under the Super Transport Blade and TrueFlex names (see, for example, "JDSU integrates WSS, EDFA, OCM in a single blade"), has used that expertise to develop software-configurable rack-mountable terminal amplifier, line amplifier, mux/demux, and ROADM for data center interconnect and metro edge fiber-optic network applications.

The platforms, each no bigger than 1RU, are designed to be mixed and matched to meet the needs of individual applications, particularly point-to-point data center interconnect or, with the ROADM mesh-based network architectures. Open interfaces enable management under SDN control. The ROADM will be part of a proof-of-concept demonstration at OFC 2016 this week in Anaheim, led by ON.Lab, the developers of the ONOS open SDN operating system. The packet-optical convergence demonstration will take place at Booth 3758.

The white boxes announced so far include:

  • The terminal amplifier white box and its associated mux/demux (described next form the endpoints of an optical transport link. The 1RU platform houses two high-power variable-gain EDFAs, OSC termination, optical channel monitor, and automatic line protection functions.
  • The passive mux/demux provides the entry or exit point for data traffic. The unit requires no external power or management connections. The terminal amplifier offers visibility to the mux/demux inventory data.
  • The line amplifier extends system reach beyond the single span limit of the terminal amplifier. The 1RU platform supports amplification in two directions.
  • The ROADM white box is used in mesh networks, particularly metro edge applications, that require wavelength agility. The 1RU system can leverage a TrueFlex twin 1xN (9-20+) or single 1xN (2-9) wavelength selective switch, two high-power variable-gain EDFAs, OSC termination, and optical channel monitor.

For related articles, visit the Optical Technologies Topic Center.

For more information on subsystems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road to 800G/1.6T in the Data Center

Oct. 31, 2024
Join us as we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and technologies enabling the realization and rapid adoption of cost-effective 800G and 1.6T+ optical connectivity solutions...

Advances in Fiber & Cable

Oct. 3, 2024
Attend this robust webinar where advancements in materials for greater durability and scalable solutions for future-proofing networks are discussed.

High-Speed Networking Event

Oct. 23, 2024
A Multi-Day online learning event crafted for optical communications professionals specializing in high-speed networking solutions Date: November 12-14Platinum Sponsor: AFLGold...

PON Evolution: Going from 10G to 25, 50G and Above

July 23, 2024
Discover the future of connectivity with our webinar on multi-gigabit services, where industry experts reveal strategies to enhance network capacity and deliver lightning-fast...