Universiti Teknologi Malaysia installing packet-optical network capabilities with Transmode

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is upgrading the packet-optical transport capabilities of its metro-core and access fiber-optic network with equipment from Transmode, the optical transport equipment vendor says. The upgrade is part of the university’s effort to support optical networking research and development through the creation of an optical communications research facility.

Transmode and its local partner, Sigtech, are installing and commissioning the new equipment at the Photonics Characterization Research Laboratory in UTM's Faculty of Electrical Engineering. When completed in the first half of 2014, UTM expects the new facility will support existing research activities and provide an optical communication systems and networking technology training facility as well. Master's and PhD students will use the test-bed to test hardware and software designs in a realistic network environment.

UTM also hopes to extend the network to other universities and research establishments.

"Our aim is to build a network which includes a test-bed facility quickly and efficiently. We needed one that is based on optical equipment that offers flexibility in traffic switching at the wavelength and Ethernet layers, so that our engineering students can have hands-on access to the latest technologies,” explains Dr. Sevia Mahdaliza Idrus, an associate professor at UTM. “Amongst the commercially available solution providers, Transmode stood out as their packet-optical system met our specifications perfectly, including high ease-of-use which is instrumental in supporting our objectives."

The new equipment includes Transmode’s TM-Series platform with ROADM units to enable flexible optical networking that supports Layer 1 and Layer 2 packet-optical traffic transport.

"This is a win of great significance to Transmode in the Asia Pacific region, as it is our first in the region's education sector,” says Mark Stevens, Transmode’s vice president for the Asia Pacific region.

For more information on packet optical transport systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

Want to learn more about packet optical innovation? Attend the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit
The Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit will feature panels and presentations that will illuminate where optical innovation is required in carrier and enterprise/data center networks, what it should look like, and when it might appear. A wide range of experts from the user, technology development, academic, and analyst communities will offer their views on innovation in a variety of areas, including packet optical transport. Find out more about the Summit, which will be held in Austin, TX, July 14-16, at the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit website.