For testing SFP and SFF devices, the new LC Loopback assembly incorporates a durable thumb latch and contoured grip for easy assembly and removal, while its compact size eliminates interference during installation in ganged and belly-to-belly applications. The assembly features a protected fiber loop to prevent damage to the fiber during usage and handling.
Available in singlemode and multimode (50/125- and 62.5/125-µm) sizes, the system also has attenuated singlemode versions that allow for use with higher-power transceivers to eliminate detector saturation or simulate a longer fiber path for network testing. Its overall length is less than a jacketed LC connector, allowing for ample door clearance.Molex, Lisle, IL, www.molex.com
For IEEE 802.3ae stressed receiver conformance testing at 10-Gbit/sec wavelengths, the Optical Standards Testers (OSTs) are now available at 850 and 1310 nm in addition to the previously supported 1550-nm wavelength. Factory-calibrated degraded signals automatically test 10GBase-SR, 10GBase-LR, and 10GBase-ER optical interfaces, making the testers well suited for measuring XFP and other transceivers as well asline cards from 10-Gigabit Ethernet routers, switches, and servers as well as SONET/SDH (OC-192/STM-64), OTN (10.709-Gbit/sec), and DWDM transmission systems. OST Layer 1 degradations include added jitter, extinction-ratio level, optical-signal-to-noise-ratio level, interfering signal level, fourth-order Bessel-Thompson filter, optical power level, and PRBS errors. The OST 10E includes several features to ensure accuracy and repeatability, monitor device-under-test behavior, minimize testing time, optimize statistical measurements, sequence tests, and control external instruments such as oscilloscopes, environmental chambers, and power supplies.
Circadiant Systems, Allentown, PA, www.circadiant.com
The N2X multiservice tester combines leading-edge services testing with carrier-grade infrastructure testing and emulation, including routing, switching, transport, and storage. The architecture is based on programmable measurement test cards that offer best-in-class performance and can be updated to the latest standards. The cards plug into a common chassis and can be mixed and matched to create a realistic emulation that tests the performance of a service from the enterprise through the metro/access network and over the core network. The tester allows users to drill down and isolate problems in a specific part of the network or device. Network equipment manufacturers and service providers can more comprehensively test new services end-to-end and find problems faster and more thoroughly test an interdependent carrier-grade network. Services include metro Ethernet, IP/VPN, and L2oMPLS for ATM over the latest converged infrastructure standards such as MPLS, IPv6, and next-generation SONET.
Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, www.agilent.com
The MACS ETC-A combined Ethernet switch and media converter for LAN-to-LAN connections over optical networks offers individual services and supports up to six Ethernet interfaces. The six ports are able to connect up to five LANs to an optical IP backbone over one fiber-optic line or up to four LANs over two fiber-optic lines. Bandwidth is configurable in increments of 1 Mbit/sec tamper-proof and independently, ensuring that customers receive the bandwidth they paid for. Confidential data transmission is assured due to port-based double virtual LAN tagging. Data of various enterprises and LAN segments are securely and independently transmitted using one single device. The switch/media converter comes with an onboard SNMP agent and extensive management features. Maintenance or flash software updates are carried out remotely. Inband management data is transmitted without losing any capacity at the customer site.
Pandatel, Hamburg, Germany, www.pandatel.com
Doubling the fiber count under one jacket, the 288-fiber RLT riser loose tube cable for indoor and outdoor applications allows for more populated backbones without having to run multiple cables between buildings, floors, or telecommunications closets. It meets OFNR riser-rated specifications to eliminate the need for termination within 50 ft of demarcation within a building. Available in singlemode and multimode 62.5- and 50-µm designs, the cable can be produced with laser-optimized 50-µm MaxCap multimode fiber for high-speed 10-Gbit/sec backbone applications. It also meets all standards for tray installations (UL-, ETL-, and CSA-certified) and comes with a single PVC jacket, double jacket, or added corrugated steel armoring.
Draka Comteq USA, Franklin, MA, www.drakausa.com
The high-channel-count, scalable multiplexer/demultiplexer modules based on thin-film-filter (TFF) technology provide full expandability of up to 40 channels in DWDM networks. The same module can be used in multiplexing/demultiplexing and reconfigurable optical add/drop applications. Upgrades can be handled in 8-10-channel increments in any wavelength order with minimal insertion loss increase. Optical filtering based on "banded architecture" arranges separate optical communications channelson a particular wavelength into groups-instead of processing the channels one at a time, the filter processes the group, reducing overall footprint and optimizing device efficiency and without skipping or sacrificing the neighboring channels.
Bookham Technology, Santa Rosa, CA, www.bookham.com
Called by its maker the "first electronic dispersion compensation (EDC)-enabled 10GBase-ZR XENPAK module," the BBTR1024-Z1 10-Gigabit Ethernet transponder enables high-bandwidth IP transport in metro applications from 80 to 120-plus km, including video-on-demand services for cable multisystem operators and as the IP-based backbone technology for carrier systems looking to replace SONET-based backbones. The transponder significantly improves receive sensitivity over fiber, providing additional margin at 80 km, and increases the tolerance to transmitter variation, which improves interoperability with other vendors' transponders in long-reach applications. The transponder supports optical performance characteristics such as end-of-life specifications of -23.5 dBm receive sensitivity over the full fiber link and 0 dBm transmit power.
Big Bear Networks, Sunnyvale, CA, www.bigbearnetworks.com