Mark, here's another press release I didn't see posted on the usual sources but it's on HLIT's webpage. I think this is an important development as HLIT continues to improve the capacity of the return path by extending DWDM from the headend to the node. This is type of development necessary to support services T is interested in, like personal video conferencing.
HARMONIC FIRST TO INTRODUCE ‘DWDM THROUGH THE NODE' RETURN TRANSMITTER
– Breakthrough Delivers Most Cost-Effective Transmission Architecture –
ORLANDO – May 25, 1999 At the Cable-Tec Expo ‘99
today, Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq: HLIT) introduced its new Dense
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) return transmitter
module specifically designed for use with Harmonic's PWRBlazer
TM Scaleable Node. PWRBlazer optical nodes are designed to
address today's market for high RF distribution levels, multiple
output levels and cost-effective operation while allowing an
element of future proofing.
The new DWDM return transmitter builds on Harmonic's
commitment to design equipment that enables high-performance
and cost-effective networks for cable operators while ensuring
flexibility for future upgrade and expansion. Harmonic has
developed unique technology to allow fitting optical nodes with
return transmitter modules employing DWDM in spite of extremes
of temperature experienced in external installation that had made it impossible to stabilize the wavelength. The process of integrating the DWDM return transmitter with the node was expedited by the modular design of the Scaleable Node.
By allowing up to eight separate blocks of return information on a single fiber, DWDM dramatically increases the bandwidth
capability of the return path. This bandwidth will allow operators to provide Internet access, video-on-demand and other two-way services. Additionally, network architectures that use DWDM return directly from the node can be more cost-effective than many architectures used today.
"DWDM from the node is the next logical extension of DWDM
technology," said Eric Schweitzer, Director, Receiver Systems,
Harmonic Inc. "This technology together with Harmonic's
Scaleable Node makes a whole new range of network
architectures economically feasible. These new architectures will
allow operators to deploy advanced communications services at
an accelerated rate."
The new DWDM return transmitter can support up to eight
wavelengths on the ITU grid on a single fiber. The transmitters are stabilized to operate over the fully operating temperature range of the Scaleable Node. In addition, the Scaleable Node can support up to four of these transmitters, allowing a separate return from each port. |
