Finisar offers tunable XFP-RF optical transmitter for cable access networks

Finisar Corp. (NASDAQ: FNSR) is bringing the benefits of tunable transceivers to cable access networks. The company has unveiled a 1-GHz RF-modulated, widely tunable XFP optical transmitter that it asserts is the first such device designed for hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks.

The company foresees the XFP-RF transmitter being designed into existing broadband optical platforms, where they will double density and halve power consumption, the company asserts. The optical modules also could be plugged directly into next-generation Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS) and QAM modulators with optical ports.

As is the case in telco networks, use of tunable transmitters reduces sparing and related inventory costs. The XFP-RF modules can be tuned to 80 different DWDM wavelengths across the entire C-band in less than 500 ms, the company asserts.

The transmitters are designed to be fully loaded from 50 MHz to 1 GHz with a reach up to 40 km. They have an operational bandwidth up to 1.2 GHz to accommodate frequency expansions in the cable broadband access network. The performance also is distance-agnostic, which enables a single transmitter to be deployed for redundant paths to a node or to multiple nodes in a tapped architecture where the distance can vary.

"Finisar has combined its high-volume small-form-factor module capabilities, wavelength-tunable laser technology, and its extensive experience in CATV transmitters to advance optics for the next evolution of cable access networks," stated Shawn Esser, director of product marketing for CATV products at Finisar. "As cable operators continue to deploy more optics to segment their networks, our wavelength-tunable XFP-RF transmitter saves valuable space, reduces energy requirements, and improves their operational flexibility. The XFP-RF transmitter deployed in existing optical platforms today is designed to be able to be re-deployed in next-generation infrastructure equipment designed with optical ports to future-proof cable operators' investment."

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