Xtera offers branching unit for submarine cable networks

Xtera Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCOM) has expanded its portfolio of products for submarine cable networks with a subsea branching unit (BU). The branching unit provides traffic and power routing between the trunk and branch cables in a submarine network. The system will enable complex and reconfigurable network architecture for more flexible capacity configurations and simpler fault recovery, Xtera says.

The company says the branching unit is designed to enable operators to use the supervisory system to switch the unit's powering supply via signal command. This approach is easier and quicker than typical methods, Xtera claims, as it avoids the need to disconnect or change the polarity of power feed equipment (PFE) or arrange for synchronized ramping to ensure the desired current flow.

The unit also has circuitry that minimizes the effects of current surges, which enables hot switching and to hold the configuration during a power dip.

"We have focused on making the BU robust and easy to use," said Stuart Barnes, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Xtera Submarine Business. "Our innovative supervisory also makes it possible for a user to check the BU operation via the network management system."

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