Finisar demos next-gen ROADM components at ECOC 2014

Sept. 24, 2014
At ECOC 2014, Finisar Corp. (NASDAQ: FNSR) demonstrated several new products for high-speed optical networking applications, including a low-profile dual wavelength-selective switch (WSS) and high-resolution optical channel monitor (OCM) that enable the design of next-generation reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) linecards.

At ECOC 2014, Finisar Corp. (NASDAQ: FNSR) demonstrated several new products for high-speed network applications, including a low-profile dual wavelength-selective switch (WSS) and high-resolution optical channel monitor (OCM) that enable the design of next-generation reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) linecards.

Finisar showed how the combination of its low-profile dual WSS and high-resolution optical channel monitor provide the foundation for next-generation ROADM subsystem design. The pairing enables systems OEMs to create high performance, single slot, route-and-select ROADM linecard designs, Finisar says.

The dual WSS is the newest addition to what Finisar claims is the industry's broadest WSS portfolio, built on the vendor’s Flexgrid and liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology. The new WSS offers dynamic bandwidth deployment at 6.25-GHz channel width with intra-channel attenuation control to enable the highest performance. The dual WSS is available in three low-profile configurations – 2x1x20, 2x1x9, and 2x8x12 – to support ROADM linecard and colorless, directionless add/drop applications.

The high-resolution OCM offers power accuracy to 0.5 dB when monitoring signal power at 6.25-GHz resolution. This resolution enhancement enables optimization of signal power and center frequency of densely packed super-channel carriers, which not only heightens system performance, but also assures future compatibility as new innovations increase spectral utilization, Finisar asserts.

The live demonstration connected optical sources through the dual WSS, generating a spectrum with various channel widths, locations, and attenuation profiles. Through the high-resolution OCM, attendees observed the performance of the dual WSS as well as the OCM's ability to resolve intra-channel features and super channel carriers by comparing the OCM output to an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). Both the low profile dual WSS and high resolution OCM are sampling now.

In a second demonstration, Finisar is showed ultra-long repeater-less fiber-optic transmission technology that significantly extends the reach and capabilities of traditional systems. Based on its UltraSpan Raman optical amplifiers, acquired through the purchase of Red-C Optical Networks in 2012, the amplifiers increase transmission distance to 400 km (see "Finisar to acquire amplifier vendor RED-C Optical Networks"). Finisar showed a 100G ultra-long repeater-less coherent link over an ultra-long span. Such links could offer Class 1M operation over a secure platform, be network interfaced, and be controlled remotely. Ultra-long links are used in applications such as oil, gas, mining, energy, and transportation. UltraSpan amplifiers are currently shipping to customers, according to Finisar.

For more information on optical subsystems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.