Infinera 100G metro platform not imminent

April 28, 2014
Infinera Corp. (NASDAQ: INFN) management has teased observers with allusions to a new 100-Gbps metro-focused platform for almost a year (see “Infinera forecasts profit and a metro platform”). Based on comments made during a recent analyst call to discuss first quarter 2014 performance, the teasing might continue for several more quarters.

Infinera Corp. (NASDAQ: INFN) management has teased observers with allusions to a new metro-focused 100-Gbps platform for almost a year (see “Infinera forecasts profit and a metro platform”). Based on comments made during a recent analyst call to discuss first quarter 2014 performance, the teasing might continue for several more quarters.

The company has developed a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for such a platform, CEO Tom Fallon reiterated to analysts on the call April 23. However, Fallon doesn’t think there’s enough demand for 100G in metro applications to force the company to rush out a metro-optimized 100G optical transport product.

While warning participants on the call not to “over-speculate” on the timing of such a platform, Fallon suggested that the company’s initial release of long-haul 100G might offer some guidance to observers who just can’t help themselves.

“If you think back to the long-haul market, the 100-gig long-haul market started basically in very late 2009 or early 2010. And we delivered our first platform in the middle of ‘12 when we felt that the economics and the volume for market receptivity were there. And we have done extraordinarily well in taking significant market share,” Fallon explained. “I would expect to have the same type of model for the metro.”

Asked later in the call when the starting point for the metro 100G market might come, Fallon suggested that while the industry may see some early adopters in the near term, the mass market won’t begin until 2015 or 2016.

“Understand the vast majority of the wavelengths that are in the metro today are 10 gig. They will start converting over time. It will be at least a couple, maybe even a few years before you’ve reached that peak transition in the wavelengths in the complete metro network,” added Infinera Co-Founder and President David Welch on the call.

Which is not to say that Infinera hasn’t already shipped 100G products for deployment into what Welch called “high-capacity metro” applications. In addition to the DTN-X, Infinera offers 100G on its DTN (see “Infinera: Hey, we updated the DTN, too”). Its current metro-focused platform, the ATN, sports 10-Gbps interfaces.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

Want to learn more about 100G innovation? Attend the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit
The Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit will feature panels and presentations that will illuminate where optical innovation is required in carrier and enterprise/data center networks, what it should look like, and when it might appear. A wide range of experts from the user, technology development, academic, and analyst communities will offer their views on innovation in a variety of areas, including 100G. Find out more about the Summit, which will be held in Austin, TX, July 14-16, at the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit website.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.

Contact Stephen to discuss:

  • Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
  • The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
  • Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
  • Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
  • Coverage of announcements
  • General questions of an editorial nature

Sponsored Recommendations

How AI is driving new thinking in the optical industry

Sept. 30, 2024
Join us for an interactive roundtable webinar highlighting the results of an Endeavor Business Media survey to identify how optical technologies can support AI workflows by balancing...

On Topic: Optical Players Race to Stay Pace With the AI Revolution

Sept. 18, 2024
The optical industry is moving fast with new approaches to satisfying the ever-growing demand from hyperscalers, which are balancing growing bandwidth demands with power efficiency...

The AI and ML Opportunity

Sept. 30, 2024
Join our AI and ML Opportunity webinar to explore how cutting-edge network infrastructure and innovative technologies can meet the soaring demands of AI memory and bandwidth, ...

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.