Smartoptics expands xWDM Flexible Open Line Systems with ROADMs, active optical units

Sept. 17, 2020

Smartoptics says it has added the DCP-R ROADM and DCP-F active optical units to its portfolio of xWDM Flexible Open Line Systems. The ROADM capabilities are targeted at metro and regional optical network operators up to 400 Gbps. Smartoptics also offers a companion software suite for SDN-based management. The DCP-F units enable flexible configuration of optical point-to-point, ring, and mesh networks at low cost, the company states.

The DCP-R and DCP-F families extend the application of Smartoptics’ technology beyond data center interconnect and other point-to-point applications into a wider range of metro and regional networks. The DCP-F family members are available as individual one-slot modules plugged directly into the standard Smartoptics DCP-2 chassis. The module also has an integrated expansion field for optional passive plug-in modules, such as for dispersion compensation. The first members of the DCP-F family are the DCP-F-R22 1x2 ROADM and the DCP-F-A22 EDFA amplifier, both with room for two optional Passive Plug-in Modules.

“With our DCP-F active optical units it is now possible to configure virtually any type of point-to-point, ring, or mesh optical network, with or without ROADMs and amplifiers, at the lowest possible cost and at the smallest footprint,” said Magnus Grenfeldt, CEO of Smartoptics. “Our modular building practice allows the customer to pick and choose exactly the optical functionality required for the application and network needs.”

Meanwhile, the open software suite includes an SDN controller, graphical user interface (GUI), and path calculation tool for the management of the DCP-R family according to the principles of the Open ROADM MSA.

“Smartoptics has already proven the value of open optical networking to many DCI customers all around the world. We are also experiencing a strong interest from many operators that want to use an open line system and embedded transceivers in their metro and metro access networks,” Grenfeldt added. “With the new DCP-F and DCP-R families and with our open and SDN-based management suite, Smartoptics has expanded its offering to also serve these new customers.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

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