Lynx to demonstrate new 1:4 intelligent protection switch with integrated optical power monitoring at ECOC

September 3, 2002--Lynx Photonic Networks will introduce its new family of photonic protection switching subsystems at the European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) 2002 in Copenhagen, September 8-12.

Lynx will demonstrate a working model of the first product, Photon.PROTECT 1:4, at booth C-146. The subsystem is designed for 1:4 uni- or bi-directional equipment or traffic protection. In case of a failure in one of the four main units, instant switching (less than 5 msec) to a shared backup is provided, and in the bi-directional case, both the receive and transmit connections are switched simultaneously.

The intelligent subsystem features integrated power monitoring with programmable thresholds and an intelligent control plane, that allows the subsystem to run in autonomous or slave mode. In autonomous mode, the subsystem will perform automated switchover based on a pre-determined scheme, set during the configuration stage. In slave mode, an external controller interactively monitors or is notified of events and directs switch behavior based on a protection switchover algorithm.

Photon.PROTECT 1:4 will be available as a subsystem, a customized blade, or a fully packaged add-on box. The add-on box approach enables rapid enhancement to existing system vendor product lines and supports integration with the systems vendors' existing network management. This is a rapid implementation solution for retrofitting unprotected networks or freeing up in-place dedicated protection equipment for new revenue-generating services.

At ECOC, Lynx will feature two separate demonstrations of the Photon.PROTECT 1:N capability. In the first, the subsystem will monitor four video sources, deliberately pull one unexpectedly out-of-service and show that there is no interruption in service. As well as instant protection, they will show automated reversion when that video source is restored. In the second demonstration, it will demonstrate live transponder protection.

The susbsystem is built around Lynx's patented Photon.PCSSTM switching technology, and has no moving parts. It includes integrated power control, signal blocking capabilities, and built-in variable optical attenuation. Lynx Photonic Networks is headquartered in Calabasas Hills, CA. For more information, visit www.LynxPN.com.