Alcatel unveils metro DWDM system

May 30, 2001
May 30, 2001--Alcatel, a provider of intelligent optical networking, announced its 1696 Metro Span system, specifically designed for carrier-class metropolitan and enterprise dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications.

Alcatel (NYSE: ALA), a provider of intelligent optical networking, announced its 1696 Metro Span system, specifically designed for carrier-class metropolitan and enterprise dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications. This system has flexible features that can adjust and grow to meet the continuing customer demand for greater network capacity with low construction and operation cost.

Alcatel's 1696 Metro Span supports network operators' service needs with class of service differentiation, optical path quality assurance, and multi-protocol transport. It features a high-density lambda switch, operating up to 32 DWDM channels. It can handle large amounts of traffic at rates up to 10 Gbit/s. Additionally, the wavelength cross connection matrix of the 1696 Metro Span does not limit the direction of the traffic flow, but instead allows the traffic to travel freely across the network. The 1696 Metro Span can concentrate different kinds of data signals into one standard optical pathway using its unique "any-rate" data concentrator, for efficient delivery of low bit rate bandwidth services, such as digital video. The 1696 Metro Span accommodates multiple kinds of protocols and services such as SDH, SONET, IP, ATM, and gigabit Ethernet.

The Alcatel 1696 Metro Span system provides a wide array of revenue generating services in networks ranging from single enterprise applications to larger citywide networks. The 1696 Metro Span can route network traffic over short distances as a non-amplified system, or it can be configured to transmit traffic over longer distances that require amplification. Additionally, the 1696 Metro Span can be installed in a variety of environments, from a basement closet to a service provider's central office.

Alcatel's 1696 Metro Span uses advanced tunable laser technologies, reducing the operational cost and maintenance issues inherent with traditional laser applications. Tunable laser technology allows each laser to support adjacent frequencies, reducing the number of spare modules required for the system.

The 1696 Metro Span will be available in the fourth quarter of this year.

About Alcatel:

Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.alcatel.com.

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