Red-C Optical Networking launches Self-Managed EDFA for WDM networks
June 28, 2004 Tel Aviv--RED-C Optical Networking, a maker of optical amplifiers is expanding its product-line, which the company describes as building blocks for all-optical networks, with the Sentior 3550 Self-Managed EDFA. By encompassing a closed spectral loop, Sentior products allow distribution of the optical physical layer's control functionality to the sub-system level and facilitate the incorporation of future optical elements within the network.
Being an essential consideration in WDM networks and highly dependent upon the characteristics of the network's optical components, the transmission spectral status must be monitored and analyzed at all times and a provision is made for alerts and correction measures when spectral failure is detected.
Current EDFAs, designed for closing the gain-loop (optical power) only, require system management to constantly monitor and supervise all optical components incorporated along the transmission line, resulting in a heavy overhead burden as well as an intensive and complex management layer.
As it independently conducts the spectral monitoring and analysis, the Self-Managed EDFA, substantially reduces management interference with the system's optical elements operation and thus simplifies the management operation and structure and further eliminates most of its tasks associated with governing the optical physical layer.
Allowing the integration of all-optical components within its mid-stage level, the Self-Managed EDFA eliminates their negative effect on system's optical signal to noise ratio and materially enhances system's reliability and survivability. The Sentior 3550 also reports to management the spectral status at each amplifier's output and thus eases installation, troubleshooting and re-configuration. It also eliminates the need for implementing OCM units within the network. Evaluation prototypes of the Self-Managed EDFA are scheduled for September 2004.
The Self-Managed EDFA, is complemented with RED-C's newly released Sentior 9000, a Raman amplifier incorporating a line analyzing unit and eye-safety protection and the Sentior 2120, a cost-effective variable-gain EDFA based on a fixed gain, single stage, single pump EDFA capable of switching various saturable absorbers.