Big Bear launches 10GBase-LRM modules for 300-m Ethernet over MMF
April 5, 2005 Sunnyvale, CA -- Big Bear Networks has introduced its line of 10GBase-LRM transponders, based on the IEEE 802.3aq standard, to enable the transmission of 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet (10-GbE) over 300 meters of Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade multimode fiber (MMF).
The IEEE 802.3aq 10GBase-LRM draft standard enables 10-GbE transmission over 300 meters of enterprise-class MMF. The company says that, with enterprises seeking to install 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet links in LAN backbones and data centers for high-end server applications, switch manufacturers require 10-GbE interfaces in their aggregation/edge equipment. According to a press release, the company's 10GBase-LRM transponders meet all of the parameter specifications set in the IEEE draft 2.0 completed last month. The new product line encompasses the three key MSA module types - XENPAK, XFP, and X2 - all of which incorporate the company's latest generation of advanced electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) IC, according to the release.
"Link distances and legacy cabling will dictate the 10G optical LAN interface opportunities, and the emerging LRM standard appears to be the best choice for multimode fiber up to 300 meters," contends Daryl Innis, program director for communications components at RHK, a San Francisc-based industry research firm. "The greatest technical challenge of LRM is the requirement of EDC. A company that has strong EDC technology should be positioned to do well in this market opportunity, and Big Bear's single mode fiber EDC gives them valuable market experience."
"The installed base of FDDI optical cable is estimated to be more than 60% of the existing fiber used in enterprises to connect switches to each other," adds Big Bear president and CEO Amit Jain. "As more desktop connections are Gigabit Ethernet enabled, the aggregated risers in buildings need to be upgraded to 10-GbE. We believe the market opportunity for Big Bear is tremendous."
According to the company, its advanced EDC IC compensates for significant signal distortion caused by MMF at 10 Gbit/sec rates. The company has been developing its EDC products since 2001, and has been shipping a linear EDC device with an SFI-4 interface for SMF applications for more than 18 months. Building on its experience with the linear device, the company began developing its MMF device in 2003, with prototype building blocks of basic linear and non-linear compensation, advanced clock recovery architecture, and internal convergence with rapid tracking capability - all required for the peculiar traits of MMF transmission, according to the company.
The company has also been heavily involved in contributing to the IEEE 802.aq task force since the organization's first Ad-hoc meetings, held in 2003.
The company's new XENPAK and XFP modules are currently sampling, and will be in pilot production this quarter, with volume production by Q3. X2 modules will be in full production by Q4.