June 14, 2005 San Antonio, TX -- Fujitsu Network Communications has upgraded its multiservice Flashwave 4020 Ethernet Service Platform (ESP) to support small form-factor pluggable (SFP) interfaces. SFP-based OC-3 and OC-12 base unit shelves are now available for the platform; each can be equipped with matching-rate SFP modules to support Long Reach (LR), Intermediate Reach (IR) and coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) requirements for converged access networks.
According to the company, since the SFP modules are interchangeable, networks can be upgraded and maintained more conveniently than with traditional optical modules, resulting in substantial opex cost savings. The company also says the addition of SFP interfaces gives service providers more options for flexible access networks.
The company says the platform's enhanced CWDM capabilities will allow carriers to tap additional capacity from their fiber plant while adding services to business customers along existing fiber routes. For CWDM applications, up to eight separate OC-3 or OC-12 SONET signals can be transported over a single fiber pair, offering an 8x increase in the capacity of existing optical access networks, according to the company. Individual SFP-based optics for the platform support wavelengths that are compatible with the standard International Telecommunication Union (ITU) G.694.2 CWDM grid, to allow full interoperability with standards-based CWDM equipment. This capability allows the platform to be connected to commercially available CWDM passive couplers such as the Flashwave 7120 optical extension system and 7410 CWDM access system. The 4020 ESP can also utilize commercially available aerial mount CWDM couplers to support easy connections to MSO master headends and primary/secondary hubs.
Housed in a 1RU (1.75") chassis, the 4020 ESP supports both seven DS1 and four 10/100BaseT Ethernet services over a protected or unprotected OC-3 or OC-12 SONET network interface.
"Today's small-to-medium business customers require solutions that offer both DS1 and Ethernet services to support today's most popular services. DS1 services are the most commonly used access method for PBX voice services and Frame Relay data services, while Ethernet offers the best option for router interconnection," says Bill Erickson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Fujitsu Network Communications. "With the Flashwave 4020 ESP, carriers can deliver both of these dominant services simultaneously from the same device, while offering all the proven reliability of SONET."
The updated platform will be showcased and discussed in Fujitsu's booth # 527 at the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Cable-Tec Expo 2005 tradeshow, held June 15 - 17 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.