MAY 23, 2007 -- Transition Networks Inc., (search for Transition Networks) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Communications Systems Inc., has introduced its new Coarse WDM (search for CWDM) technology. Using passive optical CWDM technology along with CWDM wavelength-specific optical ports on Transition's line of media converters and switching products offers customers the full benefit of CWDM technology, scaled to their exact needs, using a simple, modular, building-block approach to its deployment, say company representatives.
"In addition to maximizing capacity and increasing bandwidth on existing fiber routes, multiplexing several distinct signals or protocols over a duplex fiber connection allows for the utmost in scalability and flexibility," explains Bill Schultz, vice president of marketing at Transition Networks. "This new passive optical CWDM solution, used in conjunction with our media converters and switches, offers customers a means to effectively augment their existing infrastructure with a low-cost, plug-and-play platform."
Transition's passive optical CWDM devices utilize thin-film filter technology and are available in various wavelength combinations based on the entire wavelength spectrum (1270 nm to 1610 nm in 20-nm increments) defined by the ITU G.694.2 CWDM standard. These CWDM devices are available in two main configurations: multiplexer/demultiplexer (mux/demux) modules and optical add/drop multiplexer (OADM) modules. Each module is a pluggable device that slides into a one rack unit (1RU) chassis that can hold two modules and mount into a 19-in equipment rack.
The mux/demux devices are available in four-, five-, eight-, and nine-channel configurations with the capability of expanding up to 16 channels. These modules passively multiplex the optical signal outputs from four or more electronic devices, send them over a single optical fiber, and then demultiplex the signals into separate, distinct signals for input into electronic devices at the other end of the fiber-optic link. Modules can also be configured with a wideband 1310-nm port to accommodate existing, non-CWDM singlemode ports on switches and media converters, say Transition Networks representatives.
In addition, certain models are available with an expansion port, providing a means to add additional wavelengths or channels to an existing mux/demux by daisy-chaining the modules together. According to the company, this unique feature allows the CWDM to be cost-effectively tailored to current needs, while providing a flexible, scalable path to increase the number of channels in the future as the network grows.
The OADM modules provide the ability to add or drop a single wavelength or multi-wavelengths from a fully multiplexed optical signal. This enables intermediate locations between remote sites to access the common, point-to-point fiber segment linking them. Wavelengths that are not dropped pass through the OADM and continue in the direction of the remote site. Additional selected wavelengths can be added or dropped by successive OADMs as needed.
Transition says its full line of media converters and switches can incorporate CWDM wavelengths with the addition of wavelength-specific small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceivers or more traditional fixed optical ports. CWDM SFPs are ITU G.694.2-compliant and are available for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, OC-3/STM-1, OC-12/STM-4 and OC-48/STM-16 data rates. Fixed optical ports are available in Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet and are available in the same CWDM ITU wavelengths.
Transition's new CWDM modules and CWDM SFPs are available immediately.
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