Alcatel Optronics launches a new family of remote-controlled DWDM optical amplifiers to ease network management
July 16, 2002--Opto-electronic components supplier Alcatel Optronics today is introducing an 'addressable' DWDM optical amplifier family. A standardized electronics interface allows the Alcatel 1901 OAE and Alcatel 1904 OAE erbium-doped fiber amplifiers to be easily interconnected with other devices, enabling remote configuration and monitoring. The DWDM amplifiers can also help speed up new optical systems' time to market, simplify existing system upgrades, increase flexibility and reduce operating and maintenance costs.
To improve the management of optical telecommunication systems, it is necessary for devices to communicate. Alcatel Optronics has fully integrated the industry standard I2C interface bus into its optical amplifiers. Each device has a unique address allowing amplifiers to be remotely controlled. Key parameters such as power, gain, and pump current can be monitored and adjusted without on-site intervention. Managing inventory, responding to warning alarms and equipment testing can be achieved remotely, making network management much more efficient.
"This new DWDM optical amplifier family brings more flexibility for system implementation to our customers and, as a primary advantage for operators, reduces system operating costs. By offering remote dynamic management, it simplifies system design and operation," explained Philippe Bregi, chief operating officer of Alcatel Optronics. "The use of a standard interface and protocol guarantees that system upgrades can be completed in an efficient, timely and cost effective way. By launching these new products, which enhances our sub-systems offering with electronics, we are moving ahead in our strategy of more integration and ease-of-use for our customers."
In addition to excellent optical properties (noise figure, gain flatness, polarization mode dispersion) and very low power consumption, the Alcatel 1901 OAE and Alcatel 1904 OAE erbium-doped fiber amplifiers offer a choice between automatic power control, automatic gain control modes, or variable gain function. The control and adjustment of these amplifiers is achieved without disruption in traffic.
Alcatel Optronics designs, manufactures and sells high performance optical components, modules and integrated sub-systems for use in terrestrial and submarine optical telecommunications networks. For more information, visit Alcatel Optronics on the Internet: www.alcatel.com/optronics.