Oclaro delivers 1x23 WSS with millisecond switching speeds

Oclaro, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCLR) has introduced what it claims is the industry's first high-port-count 1x23 wavelength-selective switch (WSS) that features switching times of 200 ms – an order of magnitude faster than competing products, it claims.

Very high-port count WSS devices are key components in the development of high-speed networks carrying 100-Gbps signals because they address the needs of next-generation colorless, directionless, and contentionless (CDC) ROADMs for high node degrees, and offer a high level of flexibility in the add/drop portion of the node. Analyst firm Ovum expects this market segment to grow to $201 million by 2016.

A higher port count WSS allows for more add/drop ports and/or more degrees to be interconnected, and the fast switching time enables reliable network reconfiguration across multiple nodes.

To achieve a 10X performance improvement in its new 1x23 WSS, Oclaro says it used a unique combination of micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and liquid crystal technologies. The MEMS handle the switching aspect, while the liquid crystal technology provides attenuation, Oclaro sources told Lightwave.

"By delivering a very-high port-count solution that doesn't require compromises in optical performance, we can enable our customers to achieve a competitive advantage with their next generation ROADMs," said Gil Cohen, vice president of WSS product line management at Oclaro.

Oclaro will be unveiling its new 1x23 WSS at next week's OFC/NFOEC show in the Oclaro booth #1957 & 2058.

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