ADVA (FSE: ADV) says it can provide network operators to lease capacity on their fiber-optic networks is chunks of spectrum. The “spectrum as a service” capability enables operators to accommodate wholesale customers whose transmission equipment doesn’t operate on the conventional ITU grid. ADVA enables the spectrum slicing capability via its FSP 3000 open line system.
With the latest high-speed modulation schemes requiring transmission windows incompatible with the standard ITU grid, network operators need a different approach than just leasing wavelengths, according to Stephan Rettenberger, senior vice president, marketing and investor relations, at ADVA. Operators could lease an entire fiber to such customers or attempt to enable the customers to share a little-used fiber; either way, spectrum would be used inefficiently, he points out. The FSP 3000, via a combination of coherent optics, programmable flexible-grid support, and intelligent network control, enables network operators to offer slices of spectrum in the amount customers using any of the more exotic modulation formats might require. It also enables operators to monetize unused spectrum on existing links.
Rettenberger says the capability was developed at the behest of a network operator customer and is commercially available now. The feature is not designed to enable end-customer control of the spectrum they receive.
“Up until now, CSPs have been unable to monetize the vast amounts of unused spectrum in their networks. But thanks to advances in coherent optics, programmable flexgrid technology, and intelligent network control, spectrum as a service is now a real and affordable option. CSPs can use the approach to unleash the full value of their fiber assets,” commented Jörg-Peter Elbers, senior vice president, advanced technology, at ADVA via a press statement. “Following multiple spectrum-as-a-service proof-of-concepts involving several partners and spanning different network domains, we're now removing the limits on fiber capacity for CSPs across the world. With this launch, we're unlocking the potential of today's fiber infrastructure and ushering in a new age of flexible, future-proof growth.”
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