June 20, 2005 San Diego, CA -- Entrada Networks recently announced the availability of its 16-channel Metro Area Transport platform, based on CWDM technology including 8- and 16-channel modules that support 2.5-Gbit/sec data rates. The company says the platform, aimed at passive optical network service providers, enables the deployment of systems supporting high bandwidth build-outs in enterprise access and metropolitan area networks.
The platform integrates multiplexing, de-multiplexing, and Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (OADM) functionality, combining passive optical CWDM technology with pluggable SFP transceivers, with network element management provided via the company's Silverline Element Manager. The company says this combination of features enables flexible, managed point-to-point or ring network functionality; the platform is suitable for applications where dedicated bandwidth, enhanced diagnostics, and a secure PON connection are required. The company also says its CWDM network technology provides a cost-effective way to add Gigabit Ethernet backhaul services for emerging broadband services, without incurring the cost of fiber upgrades.
According to the company, the platform allows users to increase the capacity of existing fiber by utilizing widely spaced, separate wavelengths within the same fiber pair (between 1310 nm and 1610 nm) based on the ITU G.694.2 standard. The platform supports up to 16 different channels, each carrying up to 2.5 Gbit/sec of bandwidth, accomplished through use of an expansion port on the 4-channel multiplexer. The company says the expansion port allows additional unique wavelengths to be combined on a single fiber pair by "chaining" multiplexers prior to the final network connection.
The company's "Drop & Add" and "Drop & Pass" OADM modules provide the ability to terminate one or more of the wavelengths from the fiber locally, while allowing the other wavelengths to continue to other nodes. Similarly, the "Drop & Add" ability allows a wavelength to be added from a local fiber interface and allows the other wavelengths to continue to other nodes.
The platform employs wavelength-specific optics configured in a 1 RU chassis with out-of-band management. The company says its Silverline management system provides a mechanism for monitoring the optical power of the link against problems such as poor connections, wavelength degradation, and even physical breaks.
According to a press release, the platform's CWDM technology is provided through Entrada's wholly-owned subsidiary, Torrey Pines Networks.