Zolo Technologies Inc., an optical networking sub-systems developer and manufacturer, announced the development of a dual-input, 80-channel Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) device for telecommunications providers.

The Zmux 2:80 is the second product launched by Zolo in recent weeks within the Zmux family of mux/demux devices. This dual-input module also will be the core platform for Zolo's future line of integrated optical modules. Zolo anticipates that metro and long-haul optical networking systems companies will begin to take delivery of Zmux 2:80 evaluation units within the next few months.

The Zmux 2:80, like Zolo's Zmux 1:40, is a passively thermally compensated DWDM device that incorporates a proven, Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS) compliant grating-based technology to provide high performance at a lower cost per channel, while dramatically increasing capacity in a small-footprint package. This makes the Zmux series of mux/demux devices ideal for next generation optical networking systems.

"Our Zmux 2:80 is an extremely flexible DWDM device that can be utilized in three distinctly different applications," said Dr. Andrew Sappey, Zolo's CTO and co-founder. "First, it can be used as two separate 100-GHz, 40-channel mux/demuxes in one small physical package. Secondly, it can be combined with an interleaver to provide a 50-GHz, flat-top, 80-channel mux/demux in the same small footprint. Lastly and most significantly, a variable optical attenuator (VOA) or an optical switch can be combined either externally or even internally with the Zmux 2:80 to provide an integrated 40-channel VO -mux/demux or Optical Add / Drop Multiplexer (OADM) in one device."

According to Mike Wearsch, Zolo's vice president of business development and marketing, the only difference between the Zmux 1:40 and Zmux 2:80 is the fiber pigtail assembly. The same physical package and optical components are used in both products.

The Zmux 2:80 dual-input DWDM device will be demonstrated as part of Zolo Technologies' display at OFC 2001 from March 19th to 21st -- Hall E, Booth 3717.

About Zolo Technologies:

Zolo Technologies, Inc., founded in 1999, is a provider of optical networking sub-systems focused on developing and manufacturing devices that enable telecommunications systems providers to increase bandwidth at a lower cost per channel. For more information, visit www.zolotech.com.