George, have we found the "holy grail" of switching?
biz.yahoo.com
Monday March 6, 9:03 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Agilent Technologies' Breakthrough Photonic Switch to Revolutionize Multi-billion-dollar Telecom Industry
Move Underscores Agilent's Role in Developing the Enabling Communications Products To Increase Capacity on World's Busiest Communications Networks
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 2000-- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A - news) announced today an advanced, cost-effective optical technology that could revolutionize the multi-billion-dollar communications industry. Called the Agilent Photonic Switching Platform, the new technology is capable of routing communications traffic without the costly conversion from photons to electrons and back to photons.
This ability to manage communications traffic in the optical domain has long been considered the vital ``missing link' for the long-awaited, next-generation all-optical network. By eliminating the equipment needed to translate the basic light signals into electrical signals for the purpose of routing those signals, significant improvements in capacity and reductions in cost can be realized.
Invented by scientists at Agilent Laboratories, the photonic switch is based on a blend of two reliable technologies -- inkjet and planar lightwave circuits.
``Agilent is poised to lead a significant revolution in communications,' said Ned Barnholt, president and CEO of Agilent. ``The Agilent Photonic Switching Platform is just one excellent example of how Agilent is not just sparking that revolution but leading it. Our customers told us that the one missing ingredient in making the all-optical network a reality was a cost-effective, reliable optics layer switching technology. The photonic switch is our response and the solution to the problem. It will help drive a significant market evolution while enabling our customers to deliver a brand new class of services.'
Agilent's new platform, to be unveiled tomorrow at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibit 2000 in Baltimore, is already in trials with several industry leaders for integration into the world's most complex communications network elements. It is expected that once deployed, this new way of managing information may hold the key to unlocking the vast, untapped potential of a totally wired world because the photonic switch will enable the cost-effective delivery of a new generation of digitally based services in communications, entertainment and business.
According to industry analysts, fiber-optic networks are nearly stretched to capacity by the burgeoning demands of a digital workplace and sprawling e-commerce sites.
Experts predict that more users, higher access speeds, longer connection times and richer media mean network traffic will double every nine to 12 months, making a new generation of fast-moving, optical switches imperative. According to Ryan, Hankin and Kent, a leading communications analyst firm, the load carried by optical networks will have grown an estimated 28 fold between 1996 and 2002. The firm also projects the need for optical networking equipment will expand from $15 billion in 2000 to some $40 billion in 2003.
By providing a totally new and potentially far more reliable approach to handling optical traffic, the Agilent Photonic Switching Platform will allow network equipment manufacturers to accelerate the time to market for all-optical network elements. In turn, their customers -- telecommunications carriers -- will be able to keep up with the increased demand. With the new switching platform, the industry will be able to speed up network traffic -- and improve the user experience -- for e-commerce, e-mail, video conferencing, global business and other key optical applications.
The switching platform, which includes the first two commercial photonic switches ever created by Agilent -- a 32 x 32 port photonic switch and a dual 16 x 32 port photonic switch, is based on Agilent technology that uses an innovative combination of reliable inkjet and planar lightwave circuit technologies. It is the largest switch of its kind with no moving parts, resulting in less wear and longer life.
U.S. Availability
Commercial prototypes of the Agilent Photonic Switching Platform will be available by the end of 2000.
Michael |
