Optics: Alcatel Sets New World Records for Ultra
Long-haul Terabit Networks
DWDM breakthrough technologies substantially increase the capacity of fiber optic networks
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2000-- Alcatel (NYSE: ALA - news), the world leader in optical networking, today announced it
has set two world records for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transmission capacity over ultra long-haul Terabit
networks.
In one trial, the Company achieved a 3,000-km transmission of 80 DWDM channels at 10 Gbit/s each, using Raman amplification
pioneered by Alcatel. In the second trial, the Company demonstrated a 250-km unrepeatered transmission span with 32 channels at 40
Gbit/s each. These records for transcontinental transmission were set with optical systems that soon will be commercially available, fulfilling
customer needs for more bandwidth at a lower cost.
The first breakthrough will allow operators for the first time to implement ultra long-haul transmission in their networks on existing fiber
infrastructures without building additional expensive intermediate terminal stations as is required by standard techniques. The
demonstration concerns a groundbreaking 3,000-km reach at a 10 Gbit/s channel speed using Alcatel's commercially available 1640
Optinex(TM) DWDM transport system. The record involves transporting 80 DWDM channels, each operating at 10 Gbit/s over a 3,000
km G.652 Single Mode Fiber (SMF). Error-free transmission is achieved through dual-stage hybrid Erbium/Raman amplifiers spaced out
at 80 km each, the same spacing already found in today's long-haul networks. This would allow the transmission of all the information
contained in a one-mile-high book from San Francisco to Chicago over a single fiber in one second.
The second breakthrough demonstrates the viability of multi-wavelength 40 Gbit/s transmission in existing infrastructures, and is key to the
rapid development of terrestrial and coastal networks. The demonstration concerns the longest single-span unrepeatered transmission
distance (250 km) ever achieved for 1.28 Tbit/s capacities on standard silica core fiber using 40 Gbit/s channels. To achieve such a
performance, two key technologies were used: Raman amplification, distributed along the span, and enhanced large-effective-area fibers,
which minimize nonlinear power conversion and improve receiver sensitivity. The use of 40 Gbit/s as the channel granularity enables a
four-fold reduction in channel usage, which yields a substantial reduction in the overall cost of the network.
``With these major achievements, Alcatel demonstrates that it is at the forefront of optical technologies. Not only is Alcatel the only supplier
to offer a complete portfolio of optical networking solutions, but the Company also consistently sets the pace for technological
breakthroughs,'' said Christian Reinaudo, president, Alcatel Optics. ``These experiments represent an important milestone in the
development of ultra long-haul DWDM systems having capacities in excess of one Terabit/s. They also demonstrate our commitment to
help our customers quickly expand their services by delivering the most bandwidth at the lowest cost.''
In November 1999, RHK, a leading telecommunications analyst firm, said that Alcatel holds a 21% share - the number one position - of the
world's total transport market, which comprises submarine and terrestrial transmission systems. RHK noted that Alcatel's market-leading
37% market share in the submarine networks segment helped secure the top position in the total transport market. In addition, RHK found
that Alcatel commands a 37% share of the digital cross-connect systems (DCS) segment. Cross-connect systems contain the enabling
technology for operators to offer high bandwidth services. Alcatel is also cited as the global leader in terms of DWDM market share for the
global market encompassing both terrestrial and submarine applications.
Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new
carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel operates
in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: alcatel.com
Contact:
Alcatel
Klaus Wustrack, Tel: + 33 (0)1 40 76 11 56
Klaus.wustrack@alcatel.fr
or
Investors relations
Claire Pedini, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 13 93
Claire.pedini@alcatel.fr
or
Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 13 30
Charlotte.laurent-ottomane@alcatel.fr
or
Emmanuel Spite, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 76 16 04
Emmanuel.spite@alcatel.fr
or
Peter Campbell, Tel: +1 972 519 4347
peter.campbell@usa.alcatel.com |
