DWDM pluggable transceiver MSA joined by Alcatel, JDSU, Mitsubishi, NEC, Oki and Sumitomo/Excelight
7 October 2002 -- Alcatel Optronics, JDS Uniphase, Mitsubishi Electric, NEC Corp , Oki Electric and Sumitomo/Excelight have joined the DWDM Pluggable Transceiver multi-source agreement (MSA) and will supply devices that conform to the specification defined by the MSA.
Transceivers developed using this new specification are designed to help improve network planning, commissioning and maintenance of optical networks and reduce system downtime and inventory costs.
The MSA, announced by Agilent Technologies, Nortel Networks and Agere Systems in June 2002, establishes a standard that specifies uniformity for 2.5Gbit/s (OC-48) dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) pluggable transceiver package outlines, pin function definitions, software interface and electrical characteristics. Transceivers based on this MSA will provide transmit and receive interfaces for metro DWDM multi-service routers, multi-service provisioning, optical transmission platforms and digital cross-connects.
MSA-compliant DWDM transceivers will allow network service providers to plug in a DWDM transceiver exactly when and where it's needed, and at any wavelength, reducing inventory costs. The ability to install the transceivers into live systems eliminates system downtime during upgrades and service calls. The multi-rate feature (from 155Mbit/s to 2.7Gbit/s) allows operators to offer flexible service as well.
"The benefits of lower inventory costs, reduced system downtime and easy field maintenance are compelling propositions for manufacturers and their customers," said David Chown, general manager of Agilent's Telecom Fiber Optic Component Operation.
Network equipment manufacturers will also benefit from the pluggability feature, as it eliminates cumbersome fibre "pigtails" and pin through-hole devices that are difficult to assemble in high-volume systems. These pluggable transceivers will not require soldering to the board or a board cut-out, further reducing design and manufacturing time. The modules are suitable for both hot-pluggability in the field when mounted at the faceplate of the equipment and for cold-plugging "in-board" when field access is not required.
"The addition of six new members is a powerful reinforcement of the MSA and establishes it as the pre-eminent 2.5Gbit/s DWDM interface standard," said Pat Walsh, vice president, Product Line Management, Optical Components, Nortel Networks.
"The MSA gives designers confidence to deploy compliant devices without costly and time-consuming system redesign," said Mark Granahan, vice president of Agere's Optical Access and Transport division. "Agere will continue to support and lead this industry-standard effort."
The DWDM Pluggable Transceiver MSA group is an open forum, welcoming applications from transceiver manufacturers who wish to join. MSA members will independently develop and market the compact, DWDM transceivers based on the new standard, ensuring that network equipment manufacturers have a choice among compatible sources.