8 March 2012

Finisar launches 100G coherent OIF transponder and DWDM CFP modules

At the Optical Fiber Communication Conference & Exposition and National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC 2012) in Los Angeles this week (6-8 March), fiber-optic communications component and subsystem maker Finisar Corp of Sunnyvale, CA, USA has launched two new 100G modules: a 100G coherent OIF transponder and a 100G DWDM CFP with SpectraWave, an all-optical DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) transport platform. The firm claims that the modules bring new cost economies and power efficiencies to telecom networks by leveraging its vertical integration capabilities and expertise in 100G technology.

Coherent technology enables a new architecture in optical modules by eliminating dispersion compensation in long-haul networks, resulting in simpler network management for service providers. Although the first generation of 100G coherent systems were based on proprietary line-cards specific to individual system vendors, the general availability of commercial digital signal processing (DSP) chips will enable an ecosystem where module vendors with internal optics capability can drive compelling solutions in cost, power and density, Finisar reckons.

The new 100G coherent OIF transponder has an integrated heat-sink design with reduced power dissipation compared to currently available solutions. The module is optimized for telecom long-haul transport applications and reduces system cost by integrating soft-decision forward error correction (FEC) while enabling reaches of up to 2000km over single-mode fiber without the need for dispersion compensation.

Also at OFC/NFOEC 2012, Finisar has demonstrated what it claims is an industry-first 100G CFP module for metro DWDM applications. The CFP module is full C-band tunable across four 28G channels and enables 2.5 times the spectral efficiency of tunable XFP modules, while providing a lower-cost alternative to systems based on coherent technology. The module uses optical duo-binary (ODB) modulation for extended dispersion tolerance, supports CAUI and OTL4.10 interfaces, and also supports low-latency applications. The module suits datacenter-to-datacenter or metro Ethernet applications, says Finisar.

The demonstration also showcased SpectraWave, a new all-optical 1U DWDM transport platform that provides optical mux/demux, amplification, and dispersion compensation. Used together, SpectraWave and the DWDM CFP can provide end-to-end optical connectivity for enterprise, data-center or carrier applications over reaches of a few hundred kilometers. For example, in the OFC/NFOEC demonstration, the SpectraWave platform optically muxed and demuxed four wavelengths, amplified the signals, and compensated for dispersion over 150km of single-mode fiber.

“Finisar has often demonstrated our ability to execute during the high-growth phase of a new market,” says CEO Eitan Gertel. “This capability has been demonstrated at 10G, 40G, and 100G client. We believe that we are well positioned to be a leading supplier in the 100G line-side market as well,” he adds. “This announcement demonstrates our vertically integrated optics capability and expertise in high-speed optics will be critical to enabling a range of products to support all customer requirements at 100G.”

Tags: Finisar 100G coherent OIF transponder DWDM CFP modules

Visit: www.finisar.com