Alcatel Unveils High-Speed Photonic Cross-connect for
Intelligent Optical Networking
Offers World's Largest Capacity Levels and 40% Network Cost Reduction
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2000--Alcatel (NYSE:ALA - news), the world leader in optical networking and
cross-connect systems, today introduced the CrossLight photonic cross-connect.
This breakthrough optical system will enable communications carriers and service providers to build highly intelligent,
all-optical communications networks that deliver greater capacity at reduced cost.
The CrossLight photonic cross-connect routes light through its all-optical switching matrix, eliminating the optical-electrical
conversion typical in existing electrical broadband cross-connect systems. In contrast to an electrical broadband
cross-connect, which can handle only a fixed amount of traffic, CrossLight's capacity can increase as a customer's need for
bandwidth grows. In addition, CrossLight will enable carriers and service providers to allocate bandwidth on demand for the
busiest parts of their network.
``As the volume of data and voice traffic continues to climb across the world, photonic cross-connect systems will be key to
the efficient and successful operation of communications networks,'' said Dana Cooperson, director of Optical Networking,
RHK, Inc. ``Alcatel's new CrossLight photonic cross-connect is targeted at meeting the ever-increasing capacity needs of
service providers who are building high-bandwidth optical networks.''
According to the President of Alcatel's Optics Group, Christian Reinaudo, ``As a stand-alone product, CrossLight will offer the
world's largest capacity levels and reduce carrier and service provider network costs by 40 percent. In addition, Alcatel's
customers can take advantage of the company's complete optical core solutions and technologies, including Alcatel 770 RCP
core router platform, all supported by the same, unified network management platform. As a result, customers will enjoy
unequalled dynamic bandwidth allocation.''
Alcatel is a leading provider of cross-connects, with a 37 percent market share worldwide, according to leading
telecommunications industry analyst firm, RHK, Inc. The CrossLight photonic cross-connect is part of Alcatel's Optinex family
of solutions, which includes dense wavelength division multiplexing, multi-service node, optical gateway, photonic
cross-connect and optical terabit router technologies.
Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data communications 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 Internet: http://
www.alcatel.com.
Contact:
For Alcatel --
Media Contact
Jamie Horton, 707/792-7843
Jamie.horton@usa.alcatel.com
or
Industry Analyst Contact
Julie Buckley, 707/792-7820
Julie.buckley@usa.alcatel.com
or
Financial Analyst Contact
Peter Campbell, 972/519-4347
Peter.campbell@usa.alcatel.com |
