RED-C and Capella demo integrated EDFA/ROADM subsystem at Globalcomm
June 1, 2006 Chicago -- RED-C Optical Networks, provider of Locally Controlled Subsystems based on optical amplification technology, and Capella, provider of Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) modules for use in Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) applications, have successfully developed and will be demonstrating their integrated EDFA / ROADM subsystem next week at GlobalComm 2006 in Chicago.
Featuring synchronous operation between the EDFA and WSS modules in a rack-mountable 2-RU subsystem with a single network management interface, the integrated subsystem reduces system vendors' development costs and time-to-market for ROADM enabled systems. At the same time, it provides the best performance of any subsystem of its kind, claim the companies, enabling cost-effective delivery of broadband services through dynamic reconfigurability in metro and long-haul networks.
The demo of the integrated EDFA/ ROADM subsystem proves the design concept pursued together by RED-C and Capella. In contrast to discrete product offerings where significant integration efforts are required, the integrated subsystem provides a network-ready option that can be deployed easily in today's transmission networks. Benefits include: 1) a stable optical system during spectral and power variations; 2) seamless and coordinated transient control; 3) mitigation of ROADM insertion loss and associated OSNR penalty; 4) complete East/West separation eliminating any single point of failure; 5) full spectral monitoring capabilities; and 6) an integrated system interface.
The integrated EDFA/ROADM subsystem comprises RED-C's Sentior 3550, which it claims is the world's first self-managed EDFA, and Capella's WavePath WSS module.
RED-C's Sentior 3550, the only amplifier of its kind with an embedded optical channel monitor (OCM), is capable of closing the amplifier's spectral loop and optimizing the gain and gain tilt in response to dynamic spectral conditions, an essential characteristic for ROADM interoperability, say RED-C representatives. In addition, it offers two completely independent variable gain stages, allowing for full East/West separation.
Capella's WavePath WSS, also the only module of its kind with integrated optical channel monitoring, represents the next generation in ROADM solutions, claims the company. Its WSS provides fully flexible switching, optical channel monitoring, wavelength management, and both internal and network diagnostic functions.
This joint development has been acknowledged and funded by the USA-Israel Bi-national Industrial Research and Development Fund (BIRD-F) Foundation.
"The Integrated EDFA/ROADM is an important milestone in RED-C's visionary concept of a Locally Controlled Subsystem, which is aimed at simplifying optical networks by delegating to the subsystem level many of the complex functionalities currently executed by network management," explains Yossi Boker, RED-C's president and CEO. "Our success in meeting this challenge and building a fully functional prototype ahead of the project's original schedule further evidences the parties' determination and R&D excellence."
"This collaboration between our two companies of similar vision and best-of-breed products will afford our customers maximum value by providing a critical network element in enabling cost effective delivery of broadband services," adds Larry M. Schwerin, Capella CEO.