JUNE 16, 2009 -- Optical networking technology provider Transmode (search Lightwave for Transmode) has released a range of network management tools for flexible optical networks.
Transmode is targeting network management challenges with new modules for the Transmode Network Manager (TNM) system: Transmission Control and Channel Control. The new modules are intended to simplify network operations to reduce the cost and complexity of ongoing network operations and improve the performance of the optical network.
The modules form part of Release 13 of the TNM, which is available in June 2009. TNM Release 13 coincides with Release 13 of the TM-Series, Release 22 of the TS-Series, and Release 5 of the TG-Series and provides unified network management of the complete Transmode portfolio. The TNM provides users with a client-server based platform and is scalable from simple networks up to complex regional and national networks.
Transmission Control provides tools to measure and manage the optical parameters of individual optical channels (wavelengths) or complete amplifier chains within the network. The software uses previously released hardware, such as the Optical Channel Monitor, to measure the full optical spectrum at any point in the network. The Transmission Control module then enables operators to monitor and manage optical performance as capacity is added or switched within the network through the semiautomated adjustment of variable optical attenuators (VOAs) and optical amplifier power settings. The company says the module enables greater distances to be supported and simplifies network commissioning.
Channel Control offers a planning tool that provides routing as well as used and available capacity information for wavelength and subwavelength channels within the network. It can be useful in ROADM-equipped dynamic networks, as it can be difficult to track available capacity via other means in real time. Channel Control moves focus from the collection and understanding of network configuration to value-added network planning activities. This, says Transmode, results in increased effectiveness of the planning department.
"Optical network flexibility is becoming increasingly important as bandwidth within metro networks increases due to the ongoing roll-out of higher bandwidth fixed and mobile services," says Sten Nordell, Transmode's chief technology officer. "The creation of a dynamic network with all the necessary management tools is a significant step and allows Transmode to fully address the rapidly growing ROADM segment within the metro WDM market."
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