Alcatel Demonstrates an All-Optical Cross-Connect
BusinessWire, Monday, September 14, 1998 at 09:06
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 1998--After extensive
testing to validate the optical layer concept in real world
conditions, Alcatel is showcasing a proof-of-concept of its
all-Optical Cross-Connect System (OCCS) during the National Fiber
Optics Engineers Conference (NFOEC) in Orlando Sept. 14 through 16,
1998.
Alcatel's OCCS highlights advanced space-switching and
all-optical wavelength translation. These two functions are vital to
implement the OCCS prototype.
Encouraged by significant research progress, Alcatel partnered
with scientific and commercial companies to demonstrate the
feasibility of a large scale all-optical network. Project partners
included France Telecom, Belgacom, Telenor, Tele Danmark, CSELT,
Alcatel and major European universities. The OPEN (Optical
Pan-European Network) consortium was part of the European
Commission-funded ACTS (Advanced Communications Technologies and
Services) research program. The project involved testing the OCCS in
two field trials using the installed infrastructure of four of the
network operators.
After one year in the field, trial results confirmed the maturity
and long-term reliability of the InP-based advanced optical components
used in the OCCS, which includes all-optical wavelength converters and
arrayed optical gates.
"Our test results confirm our vision of a relatively near term
all optical layer. This was the first field evaluation of a
large-scale network using an all-optical cross connect," said Ken
Lewis, Alcatel's VP-GM responsible for Optical Networks. "Obtaining
more capacity and greater performance from optical transmission
systems is the heart of our optical innovations which we have branded
as Optinex," Lewis explained. "The proof of concept demonstration
provides carriers with a look into the future of wavelength
management."
The OPEN field experiments evaluated long-haul, multi-wavelength
transmission and optical routing. They featured network configurations
that included the cascade of several OCCS. They also demonstrated
network reconfiguration and fast network restoration services. The
trials were conducted on significantly different fiber plants, varying
in topologies and transmission distances:
-- The first trial linked Norway to Denmark using a mix of submarine
(G.653) and terrestrial fiber (G.652) using the infrastructures
of Telenor and Tele Danmark
-- The second connected France and Belgium using the terrestrial
cable (G.652) infrastructures of France Telecom and Belgacom.
Future trials will build on this momentum. Along with France
Telecom and Belgacom, Alcatel is now part of a new ACTS consortium
called PELICAN (Pan-European Lightwave Core and Access Network). This
project plans a 99 trial that will involve an even more complex
topology. It will enable Alcatel and the project's network operators
to go beyond validating the physical part of the optical network
concept. These trials will help demonstrate richer network management
functions related to restoration capabilities.
A world leader in telecommunications systems and equipment, as
well as related cables and components activities, Alcatel operates in
over 130 countries. Alcatel provides complete solutions and services
to operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers, ranging
from backbone networks to user terminals. For more information, visit
Alcatel on Internet: alcatel.com or the US web site at
www.usa.alcatel.com.
Contact for Alcatel Investor Relations (Paris): Charlotte
LAURENT-OTTOMANE, (33.1) 40 76 13 30 or ottomane@ahqps.alcatel.fr
(Fax): (33.1) 40 76 14 05 -- UK media contact: Barrington Lloyd
International, tel. +44 (0) 1799 506 187 or barry.lloyd@bli.co.uk.
CONTACT: Alcatel
Amy Morenz
972/996-7896
Internet: Amy_P_Morenz@aud.alcatel.com
KEYWORD: FLORIDA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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