MUNICH, Germany/MAHWAH, N.J., Oct. 28, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- New 8-channel CWDM card dramatically reduces network costs with next-generation universal transponder design and SFP transceivers - New multi-node CWDM ring functionality expands network topology options for small- and medium-sized storage and Ethernet applications
ADVA Optical Networking (FSE:ADV), a leading global provider of optical networking solutions, today launched a major new release for its Fiber Service Platform (FSP) 2000 system with enhanced Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) functionality. ADVA's new 8-channel CWDM card with a next-generation universal transponder design and Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers replaces the need for separate cards for specific groups of protocols, data speeds, and fixed interfaces; thereby dramatically reducing both capital and operating expenditures for enterprise and carrier customers. New CWDM ring functionality expands network topology options from simple point-to-point configurations to include linear add/drop and ring topologies.
While CWDM is functionally similar to Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), the use of wider spacing between wavelengths requires lower-cost components and delivers capital savings of 20% to 40% compared to DWDM systems of the same channel count and system functionality. CWDM provides a strong value proposition for enterprises and carriers to affordably realize the benefits of optical networking for small- and medium-sized storage and Ethernet applications.
The new 8-channel CWDM card includes a universal transponder design that transports all typical enterprise protocols for speeds ranging from 100Mbit/s to 2.5Gbit/s at all CWDM wavelengths between 1470nm and 1610nm. SFP transceivers on the card adapt to single mode and multimode 850nm and 1310nm requirements and various protection schemes can be optionally included. By incorporating such a broad range of options onto one card, customers achieve significantly greater flexibility in their networks without requiring an extensive number of spares on hand.
New add/drop filter architecture and SFP technology enable a third, fourth, or fifth node to be added to a ring network configuration. This enables implementation of a greater number and variety of small- to medium-sized storage and Ethernet applications to be interconnected within a metropolitan area. Key applications include converged networking, remote access, disaster recovery, server consolidation, Internet access, LAN extension, and storage virtualization.
"ADVA, the number two global metro WDM vendor, continues to enhance its CWDM capabilities, having pioneered the first CWDM solution in 1996," commented Ron Kline, Program Director for Optical Networks, North America, at RHK Inc., a leading research and advisory firm. "Technology and feature advancements from vendors like ADVA, coupled with recently-defined CWDM standards, are making a broader range of storage and Ethernet deployments attractive for a growing number of enterprises and carriers around the world - thereby expanding the market opportunity for metro optical transport."
"This amount of flexibility for a CWDM system is an important evolutionary step in the market today," noted Brian P. McCann, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at ADVA Optical Networking. "Traditional CWDM limitations of poor scalability and few configuration options are being overcome with ADVA's focus on delivering advanced features that simultaneously drive down network costs."
ADVA's FSP 2000 was launched in May 2001 as the successor product to the company's best-selling FSP-II product. Now in its seventh major new feature release, the FSP 2000 provides a seamless upgrade path from the FSP-II, also sold by Cisco Systems as the Metro 1500. Targeted toward enterprises and carriers, the parallel use of CWDM/DWDM and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) technologies enable up to 512 applications to be transported over one single fiber pair up to 200 kilometers. Its robust character and ability to transport all protocols between 8Mbit/s and 10Gbit/s make the FSP 2000 an ideal solution particularly for storage networks. Recently introduced features also include a unique CWDM/DWDM hybrid solution, which enables initial deployment of two or four channels and the incremental and cost-effective addition of up to 20 channels as future needs dictate. All FSP 2000 CWDM features are fully compliant with the ITU-T G.694.2 CWDM specifications. The new, seventh release of features will be generally available for volume shipment in January 2004.
More information about the FSP 2000 product and key applications can be found on ADVA's website at www.advaoptical.com.
About ADVA Optical Networking
ADVA Optical Networking is a leading global provider of optical networking solutions for rapid and cost-effective provisioning of high-speed data, storage, voice, and video services in the metropolitan area. ADVA's carrier-class portfolio is comprised of the Fiber Service Platform family of products - explicitly designed to ensure the lowest total cost of ownership. ADVA's solutions have been deployed at over 70 carriers and service providers (including PTTs, RBOCs, LECs, and IXCs) and more than 500 enterprises worldwide. ADVA's products are sold through an international network of blue-chip distribution partners in addition to its own direct sales force. Further information about ADVA Optical Networking: www.advaoptical.com.