Alcatel has introduced enhanced singlemode fiber (E-SMF), designed to reduce ongoing costs for network operators by adding about a third more wavelengths to the usable spectrum and extending transmission reach by 50 percent.

Alcatel's E-SMF advancements focus on reducing the fiber's attenuation, or signal loss. The maximum attenuation is decreased in the E frequency band (1350-1450 nm), which adds about 30 percent more wavelengths available for use on a single fiber, claim Alcatel representatives. Improvements have also been made to the fiber's polarization mode dispersion capabilities. The new fiber is compliant with the standards of ITU's G.652 table C.

For more information about Alcatel's E-SMF and other fiber products, visit the company's Web site at www.alcatel.com.