At the European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) here in Brussels today, the pair unveiled a jointly-developed optical module technology that could help to make it easier and cheaper to build metro ROADM (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer) networks.
The new optical module has a reach of 500–600 km, which is a significant increase compared to standard 10 Gbit/s transmitters which typically go about 80 km. 500 km is a "meaningful distance" for metro networks; it should make it possible to roll out metro ROADM networks on the existing fibre plant that don't require dispersion compensation modules (DCMs).
As well as eliminating the DCMs and the associated cost, it allows simpler, more cost-efficient optical amplifiers to be used. In general the most appropriate amplifier configuration for a ROADM node is the mid-stage in-line amplifier, which is a two-stage amplifier with a preamplifier and a booster. The DCM is connected between the two stages because that gives the best performance.
Possibly the most important aspect of the new module, however, is that it enables "plug and play" capability in the metro network, says ADVA's CTO Christoph Glingener. Since the network is uncompensated, the operator doesn't have to worry about re-configuring the DCMs when the transmission path in the network changes.
"We make it really simple for the customer to plan their networks," says Glingener. "We are able to tell them 'you can do what you want, just plug it in'."
ADVA provided the transmitter technology, which employs a phase shift keying (PSK)-enhanced modulation format. CoreOptics provided the receiver, including its electronic dispersion equalisation based on maxiumum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) technology.
ADVA's PSK transmitter has about double the reach of a normal transmitter, while CoreOptics' MLSE technology can extend the system reach to 400 km. Neither technology on its own could go the distance, but putting the two together gives the system a total reach of 500-600 km.
"I think this is one of the cases where 1 plus 1 equals 3," says Saeid Aramideh, senior vice president of global sales and marketing for CoreOptics.
The new optical module will be deployed as part of ADVA's FSP3000 metro WDM product line, and will be system available in January 2009.
Meanwhile CoreOptics will continue to sell modules for 10 and 40 Gbit/s transmission, and will also be able to sell modules containing the ADVA technology piece, says Aramideh.
"We are really helping each other — we are not keeping the technologies to ourselves," says Glingener.
There is a "strong partnership" between the two companies that "goes beyond one product platform", notes Glingener. Without going into specifics, he says the pair are working on other cost-reduction enabling technologies, and have a roadmap for 40 Gbit/s and 100 Gbit/s products.