LU delivers UDWDM optical system, Part II
Lucent's WaveStar OLS 400G builds on the company's pioneering dense wavelength division
multiplexing (DWDM) technology, used by carriers worldwide as an economical means of
increasing the capacity of their fiber-optic networks. Based on Bell Labs patented research,
Lucent's WaveStar system combines up to 80 high-capacity optical channels of 2.5 Gb/s each
over a single fiber. The system maintains a high transmission performance, ensuring a low
error rate over very long reach of up to 640 kilometers.
''We are continually pursuing new technologies that will allow us to add capacity quickly and
cost effectively,'' said Frank Ianna, AT&T's executive vice president of network and
computing services. ''Lucent's solution gives us tremendous flexibility in adding new capacity,
further improving our unit cost efficiencies.''
WaveStar's fully-open architecture enables carriers to simultaneously mix and match for the
first time combinations of 2.5 Gb/s (OC-48/STM-16) and 10 Gb/s (OC-192/STM-64)
SONET or SDH channels over one fiber. Adding to its versatility, Lucent's WaveStar OLS
400G is the first system to support a combination of OC-48 and OC-192 equipment from a
variety of vendors.
The WaveStar OLS 400G is designed as a single broadband platform to be cost effective, even
when used in small, start-up configurations. The WaveStar system gives any service provider
the flexibility to upgrade up to 80 channels by adding optical DWDM circuit packs two
channels at a time, rather than in larger increments. With advanced operational features such
as optical add/drop and gain control built into the Lucent WaveStar system, service providers
can automatically tailor channel configurations to match bandwidth needs.
The WaveStar OLS 400G is available with a network management system for integrated
administration of the optical and SONET/SDH layers. With no disruption to existing service,
the WaveStar OLS will be upgradable from Lucent's 16-channel unit.
Lucent's system, with worldwide commercial availability expected in the fourth quarter, is the
first in the WaveStar family of next-generation optical networking products that will be
introduced over the next few months.
[This is UDWDM optical system, not an ATM switch like ASND's GX 550 and CSCO's BPX] |
