ECI says it is applying Open ROADM inspired disaggregation to its optical networking hardware line. The company says it will offer its Apollo optical systems as flexible building blocks, controllable through standard interfaces. Network operators will therefore be able to acquire the transponders, muxponders, ROADMs, amplifiers, and other function modules they require for housing in a common chassis.
The company says that the Apollo platforms, service line cards, ROADMs, and amplifiers are compliant with the Open ROADM Multisource Agreement (MSA). The elements therefore can be controlled via ECI and third-party software platforms. This includes the TM1200 muxponder, which received a 4.0 score in the 2019 Lightwave Innovation Reviews.
"Optical networks are evolving to meet the needs of a diverse constituency. While price, performance and efficiency continue to be of paramount importance, how to get there differs from customer to customer," said Jimmy Mizrahi, executive vice president, global portfolio at ECI. "Some want an all-in-one solution, while others prefer the option of 'mixing and matching' best of breed components and systems. As the industry looks towards its next investment cycle, customers are increasingly aware that their investments need to be viable for the long term. They are looking for networking solutions that can be extremely flexible and adaptive to meet evolving customer demands – today and in the future. ECI's open, modular approach to optical networking allows them to plan, design and build their networks with an unprecedented level of freedom."
ECI will highlight the new philosophy, which they call “As You Like It,” at OFC 2019 in San Diego next week in Booth 3650.
For related articles, visit the Network Design Topic Center.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.