Menara Networks, IPG Photonics partner for 100G DWDM metro, data center interconnect applications

Optical module vendor Menara Networks and fiber laser and amplifier specialist IPG Photonics Corp. announced a partnership at OFC 2016 last week to address 100-Gbps DWDM metro and data center interconnect applications. The collaboration sees Menara's 100-Gbps direct-detect CFP optical modules working with IPG Photonics hybrid EDFA/Raman amplifiers to enable an IP over DWDM approach for MPLS routers and Ethernet switches.

The companies say their approach would enable data center network operators to plug a Menara Atlas DWDM direct-detect 100-Gbps CFP optical transceiver into an MPLS or Ethernet switch and transmit data up to 250 km (150 miles). Running the transmission through IPG's 2RU Optical Services Transport Platform (OSTP) would enable such reaches without recourse to mid-span amplifiers, the companies say.

Menara says its Atlas module, plugged into the router or switch, generates ITU 50-GHz grid compliant wavelengths. This performance eliminates the need for separate transponder devices and back-to-back high-speed optical interfaces, the company says.

Both the module and the OSTP are available and in production, the partners say.

"Data center operators are desperately looking for lower-cost optical transport for 100G links in the 80-150 km range. Not having to allocate separate space for standalone DWDM transponders and negotiate IRUs to power and manage line amplifier sites is of tremendous value to data center operators," said Andrew Schmitt, founder and lead analyst at Cignal AI, via a press release announcing the collaboration. "The combined Menara/IPG Photonics solution fits within existing CFP installations, offering operators quick turn-ups and fast time-to-market to cope with the cloud dynamics."

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