Huawei Marine launches subsea repeater, branching unit

Huawei Marine Networks Co. Ltd. has announced the commercial availability of its second-generation repeater and branching unit for subsea telecommunication networks. The optical repeater is targeted at regional and long-haul systems that need high performance and reliability with two, four, and six fiber-pair cables coupled with what Huawei Marine asserts is a unique pump redundancy architecture design.

The second-generation repeater (RPT 1660) leverages the technology behind Huawei Marine’s first-generation subsea products, which are operating in several live commercial systems, says the company. The technology uses a slim-line, compact repeater housing that reduces the operational cost associated with repeater integration and loading, and offers improved plough burial performance, according to the company.

The branching unit (BU 1650), specially optimized for applications with submarine fiber-optic cable systems, provides users with the flexibility to service multiple landing points, or future-proof designs when landing points are yet to be defined. These robust units offer power switching and optical switching capability (up to eight fiber pairs), managed through a single network management system that offers customers a single touch point to control and monitor subsea and terrestrial fiber-optic networks.

Engineered with proven universal joint technology, the combination of the optical repeater and branching unit provides a cost-effective implementation in subsea communication systems, Huawei Marine says. With titanium housings, the optical repeater and branching unit have a mechanically robust design that offers light weight and improved strength. Customers can leverage the whole lifecycle cost savings associated with turnkey offerings via this product set, the company adds.

Huawei Marine is a joint venture between Huawei and Global Marine Systems. The RPT1660 and BU 1650 were jointly designed by the two companies. "Combining Huawei's technological core skills in optical transmission with Global Marine's experience in marine installation and maintenance has been a truly remarkable combination of skills that has helped realize this milestone," explained Nigel Bayliff, CEO of Huawei Marine.

For more information on subsea transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.