MRV unveils 10-GbE and OC-192 transponders for WDM applications
October 12, 2004 Chatsworth, CA -- MRV COMMUNICATIONS INC. has announced the availability of a 10-Gigabit transponder module for its Lambda Driver CWDM/DWDM transport platform. The flexible TM-DXFP 10-Gigabit transponder supports both STM64/OC-192 (9.955 Gbits/sec) and 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) protocols for use in metro and long haul service provider networks.
The new transponder is capable of spanning distances of up to 80 km over G652 fiber-optic cable without the need for amplification or dispersion compensation; longer distance transmissions can be achieved using dispersion compensation and optical amplifier modules. The 10-GbE module is already deployed with service providers and has been used to upgrade existing WDM backbones from 2.5 Gbits/sec to 10-GbE.
The TM-DXFP transponders are single-slot modules that interface between the CWDM or DWDM multiplexers and 10-Gbit/sec terminal equipment. The modules can be used throughout the Lambda Driver family, including the five-slot LD400, 11-slot LD800, and 16-slot LD1600 chassis.
"The emergence of 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet technology facilitates the implementation of bandwidth-intensive applications," reports Noam Lotan, MRV's president and CEO. "This is important as carriers refocus their investment on the access portion of the network. We are further strengthening our position in the CWDM/DWDM market by introducing these optical transport solutions for 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet and OC-192. The new transponders enable our customers to smoothly upgrade their existing infrastructure to 10-Gbit/sec/OC-192 speed."
The transponder module uses XFP--10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP)-- transceiver receptacles to provide increased flexibility in choosing the optical interface of the terminal equipment. XFP transceivers are pluggable and can be easily reused at different locations for different applications, thus maximizing the return on investment in optics and equipment and reducing the need for on-hand parts inventory. By using the XFP receptacle, the same transponder can support any possible optical interface.
Two versions of the transponder module are available now, including a metro-distance (40-km) version for both Gigabit Ethernet and SONET/SDH, and a long-haul (80-km) version supporting the same protocols.
According to MRV representatives, the company's Lambda Driver enables carriers and service providers to create new revenue opportunities due to more efficient use of their existing fiber infrastructure. Three different chassis (LD400, LD800 and LD1600) with interchangeable modules provide a solution for any network size and service density. Transparent transport allows support for all high-speed LAN, WAN, or SAN services. Sub-rate TDM technology allows even more efficient use of the available fiber by aggregating low rate protocols over one wavelength. The Lambda Driver platforms support both CWDM and DWDM technologies, thus enabling a cost efficient initial investment in infrastructure with CWDM and a smooth upgrade path towards full capacity DWDM networks.