StrataLight Communications, Avanex to test 100G optical networking

Sept. 24, 2008

SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 -- StrataLight says it will work with Avanex Corp. to demonstrate 100-Gbit/sec network traffic in a state-of-the-art network testbed. The testbed will be used to verify the propagation performance of StrataLight's 100-Gbit/sec transponder technology, with Avanex providing dispersion compensation modules and high-performance, gain-flattened optical amplifiers.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 -- StrataLight Communications Inc. (search for StrataLight Communications) will work with Avanex Corp. (search for Avanex) to demonstrate 100-Gbit/sec network traffic in a state-of-the-art network testbed.

The system configuration in the StrataLight testbed facility will be operational in the fourth calendar quarter of 2008. The testbed will be used to verify the propagation performance of StrataLight's 100-Gbit/sec transponder technology. It will include traffic on 90 wavelengths in the C-band to confirm the practicality of a record-breaking 9-Tbit/sec network transmission system, say the companies.

"As the market leader in commercial deployment of 40-Gbit/sec optical transmission subsystems, StrataLight is well-positioned to develop the next generation of optical sub-systems running at 100 Gbits/sec," contends Richard Smart, general manager of advanced module and subsystem products at Avanex. "We appreciate StrataLight's selection of Avanex amplifiers and dispersion compensation products to facilitate the successful system testing of this network breakthrough."

Avanex will be supplying dispersion compensation modules (DCM) based on its fiber-based technology. These modules compensate for accumulated chromatic dispersion and dispersion slope. DCMs are deployed along the span at intervals to counterbalance the inherent dispersion build-up.

Avanex is also supplying high-performance, gain-flattened optical amplifiers to increase network reach with a minimum of added noise. The tests will be conducted over a 1,500-km total length of 100-km spans.

"Avanex is the industry-leading source for high-performance and reliable signal conditioning and amplification devices," notes Roberto Marcoccia, vice president of advanced technology at StrataLight. "Avanex's system level optical component technology allows StrataLight to test our next-generation 100-Gbit/sec transponders over a state-of-the-art optical line system."

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