Ribbon-ECI unveils 400 Gigabit Ethernet blades after acquisition closes
Ribbon Communications Inc. says it has closed its previously announced acquisition of ECI Telecom Group Ltd. to create a combination it currently calls Ribbon-ECI. The first product out of the gate for Ribbon-ECI is a line of 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) muxponder blades for the company’s Apollo optical transport systems.
Ribbon, which has focused on networking software products, announced a deal to acquire privately held, Israel-based ECI last November (see “Ribbon Communications to acquire ECI Telecom"). At the time, Ribbon said the acquisition would cost it 32.5 million shares of its common stock and $324 million in cash for an approximate total of $427 million.
"We are thrilled to welcome ECI to the Ribbon family," commented Bruce McClelland, newly minted president and CEO of Ribbon. "Our expanded product offering combines ECI's leadership in packet optical networking with our existing proven portfolio of software-based, real-time communications security, analytics, and digital transformation solutions. Our new organization will leverage the strength and presence of our global sales force to create a very formidable market leader in the communications industry."
Meanwhile, the new TM800E/TM1200E muxponder blades offer 400GbE interface capabilities and programmable modulation rates. The programmable modulation capabilities enable network operators to optimize transmissions for distance and spectral efficiency on flexible-grid as well as 50-GHz and 100-GHz fixed-grid networks. The TM800E/TM1200E blades will support long-haul transport deployments of up to 3000 km and complement Ribbon-ECI's TM1200, which can support up to 600G.
"All market indicators suggest that 400GbE routers will experience much faster uptake than previous generations. In fact, we already have orders for these new blades and are planning deployments this spring," commented Rafi Leiman, head of the optical line of business at Ribbon-ECI. "The widespread availability of 400GbE is expected to deliver faster downloads, less congestion, and an improved user-experience on both existing networks and new deployments."
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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