Lightwave articles from March 2004

Lightwave archives from March 2004

High-speed digital testing necessary for XFP modules.(Applications)
March 1, 2004... The XFP/XFI transceiver multi-source agreement (MSA) has developed significant momentum in the telecom and datacom industries. Many transceiver manufacturers have announced XFP modules, and a number of communications IC vendors have announced...

MSPPs can cause major headaches for test equipment vendors.(Technology)
March 1, 2004... Multiservice provisioning platforms (MSPPs) combine switching, routing, multiplexing, and transport functions into an integrated system. Carriers have embraced MSPPs to add datacentric protocols to their networks without disturbing high-margin...

Strategic channel partners prove critical to success in Asia.(Industry)
March 1, 2004... Western vendors continue to open satellite offices and invest in lower-cost manufacturing facilities in Asia. All of these companies are finding that establishing strategic channel partnerships is critical to their success in a global...

FIS training specialist.(Ask Bruno)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Q I've read about Visual Light Testers, Optical Loss Test Sets, and a host of other testing devices. Can't I just use an OTDR to do all my testing? A In theory, yes. However, some test routines are so simple that using an OTDR would be...

Transforming in-house test labs from cost centers to competitive advantage.(up front)
March 1, 2004... Despite the tighter budgets and dwindling manpower, verification and test laboratories still represent a major manpower and equipment investment as a vital part of any organization. But in many cases, labs are often a "rat's nest" of equipment...

Testing multicast traffic.(up front)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Several different advanced routing protocols have been developed to try to optimize multicast traffic. These protocols can be intricate entities unto themselves and they must peacefully coexist with all of the other network protocols. In short,...

Long-wavelength VCSELs ready for new applications.(up front)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Long-wavelength (LW) VCSELs emitting in the 1.3- to 1.6-pm range can better match the fiber's transmission properties to provide high-performance, low-cost transmitters for optical networks. LW VCSELs offer many of the performance features of a...

Serial 10-Gbit/sec electrical XFP reduces rack-to-rack interconnect cost.(up front)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The move to higher-speed Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel switches has created the requirement for 10-Gbit/sec communication in the LAN and WAN. Many IC vendors are developing new ASICs that integrate 10-Gbit/sec ports to provide...

Integration of geographical information systems and remote fiber test systems.(up front)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The operation and maintenance of a fiber-optic network is usually managed by four different systems. The network documentation (or network inventory) provides a list of components available in the network; a geographical information system...

New horizons for cable testing equipment.(up front)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Video on demand is fast becoming the next big thing, but the transmission systems that deliver it require stringent testing. These analog systems can consume up to 20 dBm; higher power means greater potential for backreflection, making optical...

Multipath interference in all-optical networks.(up front)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Due to the technical and cost advantages, fiber-optic networks are moving toward a 10- to 40-Gbit/sec and all-optical scenario, in this picture, without optical-electrical-optical conversion, transmission quality is very sensitive to optical...

Looking to the East.(Editorial)(Editorial)
March 1, 2004... It's only partially a coincidence that interest in the Asian market began to peak at about the same time Western markets were well on their way into the tank. True, an opportunity as big as, say, China would be attractive at any time. However,...

XO Communications (Reston, VA) is the winning bidder for substantially all the assets of Allegiance Telecom (Dallas) and its subsidiaries, except for Allegiance's customer premises equipment sales and maintenance business, its managed modern business, and certain other Allegiance assets and operations.(Hotpick)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... XO Communications (Reston, VA) is the winning bidder for substantially all the assets of Allegiance Telecom (Dallas) and its subsidiaries, except for Allegiance's customer premises equipment sales and maintenance business, its managed modern...

Manufacturing equipment provider Sagitta (Hauppauge, NY) signed an agreement with Corning Cable Systems (Hickory, NC) to exclusively license its automated manufacturing technology for fiber-optic patch-cord termination.(North America)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Manufacturing equipment provider Sagitta (Hauppauge, NY) signed an agreement with Corning Cable Systems (Hickory, NC) to exclusively license its automated manufacturing technology for fiber-optic patch-cord termination. The technology...

Picolight (Boulder, CO), a supplier of oxide VCSEL-based transceivers and VCSEL subassemblies, entered into a cross-licensing agreement with the Honeywell VCSEL Optical Products business (Richardson, TX) for laser-related intellectual property.(North America)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Picolight (Boulder, CO), a supplier of oxide VCSEL-based transceivers and VCSEL subassemblies, entered into a cross-licensing agreement with the Honeywell VCSEL Optical Products business (Richardson, TX) for laser-related intellectual property....

Interconnect company Xanoptix (Merrimack, NH) has completed the acquisition of AraLight, manufacturer of high-density optoelectronic components.(North America)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Interconnect company Xanoptix (Merrimack, NH) has completed the acquisition of AraLight, manufacturer of high-density optoelectronic components. The acquisition strengthens Xanoptix's multichip hybridization and parallel optics intellectual...

Embratel.(Latin America)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Network operator Embratel (Sao Paulo, Brazil) is migrating to MPLS using the Tellabs 6300 managed SDH transport system, which supports Ethernet private networks and Ethernet private line and will allow the carrier to provide differentiated...

Fibrelink.(Europe)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Via a strategic partnership with Scottish Water, Fibrelink (Cheshire, UK) will conduct a pilot project at the new Europarc at Rosyth in Fife to use Scotland's existing network of sewers to install high-speed broadband cable technology using...

Alcatel (Paris) and Draka (Amsterdam) announced their intention to combine their global optical fiber and communications cable businesses into a jointly owned company.(Europe)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Alcatel (Paris) and Draka (Amsterdam) announced their intention to combine their global optical fiber and communications cable businesses into a jointly owned company. Draka would own 50.1% of the new company and Alcatel 49.9%. Alcatel will...

The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF-Fremont, CA) announced the creation of a new user working group to address physical layer technology at its recent quarterly meeting in San Diego.(update)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF-Fremont, CA) announced the creation of a new user working group to address physical layer technology at its recent quarterly meeting in San Diego. The Physical Layer User Working Group will bring equipment...

Microphotonics-based servers extend test facilities.(Technology: advances in research, development, engineering, and standards)
March 1, 2004... Developers and manufacturers of fiber-optic technologies must ensure their products meet or exceed critical design criteria. These companies employ quality assurance or design verification testing teams to put not-yet-released products through...

SOA debate rages on.(Tech Trends)
March 1, 2004... Touted for their cost-effectiveness, compact footprint, and potential for integration, semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) nevertheless always seem to be two or three years away from being the next big thing. While SOAs are now commercially...

ITU-T prepares for 40-Gbit/sec systems.(Standards Watch)
March 1, 2004... ITU-T Study Group 15 on optical transport networks has recently issued a new version of Recommendation G.959.1. which increases the capacity for optical interfaces of optical transmission systems to 40 Gbits/sec. Moving to higher bit rates...

Linear Technology's VCSEL driver boasts digital control.(Product Profile)
March 1, 2004... Gone are the days of screwdrivers and soldering irons, say the folks at Linear Technology (Milpitas, CA). With the release of the LTC5100 3.2-Gbit/sec VCSEL driver, the company has moved the laser driver out of the realm of manual control and...

Hook-and-loop adjustable, reusable cable ties.(Installation )
March 1, 2004... For managing network cabling, Ultra-Cinch ties have hooks and loops on the same side to secure a greater range of bundle diameters, especially smaller bundles. A low-profile cinch-ring reduces overall bundle size, which minimizes interference...

Fiber connection extraction tool.(Installation)
March 1, 2004... The CRTSC-1 fiber connection extraction tool is designed for the safe and easy removal of SC simplex connectors in areas of densely populated connections. It is also used in repetitive connector removal situations such as in testing...

Network performance tester with FEC evaluations.(Test Equipment)
March 1, 2004... Capable of performing OTN, SONET/SDH, DS-n, and PDH analysis as well as jitter and wander measurements, the MP1590A network performance tester is designed with a random error insertion function to perform forward error correction evaluations on...

Integrated test platform adds jitter analysis.(Test Equipment)
March 1, 2004... A jitter analysis module has been added to the portable software-based Network Information Computer (NIC) modular platform that also combines several other test functions, including OTN, SONET/SDH, T-carrier/PDH, and ATM. Performing output,...

Submicron vertical translation stages.(Design & Manufacturing)
March 1, 2004... Providing submicron closed loop positioning, the AVS100 series small-profile, precise-motion vertical translation stages are suited for applications like fiber-optic assembly and inspection that require very small incremental movements in...

VCSEL design, simulation software.(Design & Manufacturing)
March 1, 2004... LaserMOD 2.0, a simulation tool for active semiconductor devices, has added design and simulation capabilities for VCSELs and incorporates a self-heating model. The user-friendly CAD interface provides a new distributed Bragg reflector element...

Fused-biconic PM multifunction fiber machine.(Design & Manufacturing)
March 1, 2004... A fused-biconic polarization-maintaining fiber machine, the FFP 7000 combines multiple functions such as automated angular alignment, an automated fusion-then-pulling process, and automated packing. Comcore Optical Technologies, Shanghai;...

Space-saving dual-fiber LC connector.(Components)
March 1, 2004... For high-density, high-performance applications, the robust LC Slimpack connector is used on dual-fiber, single-jacket, round cable instead of a zipcord duplex cable. The design saves space by reducing the number and bulk of cables in a cabinet...

10G 40-km 1550-nm XFP transceivers.(Components)
March 1, 2004... Capable of carrying traffic over 40 km of standard singlemode fiber at 1550 nm, the 10-Gbit/sec IGF series XFP ultra-small transceiver modules is hot-pluggable while an optical-networking system is in service to simplify upgrade and maintenance...

'Self-healing' ring Ethernet switch.(Systems)
March 1, 2004... With <250-msec recovery time, the TC3720 Ethernet switch provides fully redundant communications for ring topology networks. In the event of a fiber or device failure, the data path automatically "self-heals" to the secondary path to maintain...

High-bandwidth full-duplex GbE FSO unit.(Systems)
March 1, 2004... The GigaPico high-bandwidth free-space laser-based system supports Gigabit Ethernet at full-duplex for up to 200 m and requires no adjustment or configuration onsite. The system comprises two laser heads, two outdoor interconnection units, and...

MEMS-based metro 100-GHz DCE.(Subsystems)
March 1, 2004... The MEMS-based dynamic channel equalizer (DCE) with 100-GHz ITU grid spacing enables full wavelength tunability in DWDM regional networks, providing high extinction ratio (>43 dB), large usable bandwidth (>55 GHz), 0.5-psec polarization-mode...

Optical vector analysis integrates component testing.(Applications: innovative component, subsystem, system, and network design examples and alternatives)
March 1, 2004... A new generation of optical-component technologies promises faster and more dynamic lightwave networks. Chromatic and polarization-mode dispersion compensators will become key elements in networks with long reach at high bit rates. Filters that...

Ethernet and fiber fuel Time Warner Telecom.(Case By Case)
March 1, 2004... Time Warner Telecom (Littleton, CO) recently unveiled the fourth product in its Ethernet service portfolio. The company believes Ethernet, fed by fiber either natively or over SONET, will provide it with a competitive edge, particularly against...

ATM/SONET today, IP/Ethernet tomorrow.(Industry: opportunities, market intelligence and forecasts to improve your bottom line)
March 1, 2004... A survey of Lightwave readers in the service-provider space corroborates what many pundits have said for the past year--that IP and Ethernet will shortly become the dominant protocols, particularly in the metro. The same survey indicates those...

Metro Ethernet study: Opex benefits for existing networks.(Analyst Corner)
March 1, 2004... PointEast Research worked with 36 service providers to identify operational-expenditure (opex) savings for Ethernet-based services compared to legacy private line, Frame Relay (FR), and ATM services. These results provide a detailed picture of...

China Netcom (CNC--Beijing) has purchased full control of Asia Netcom (Hong Kong), a company founded one year ago by a consortium lead by CNC, which included Newbridge Capital and Softbank Asia Infrastructure Fund.(asia)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... China Netcom (CNC--Beijing) has purchased full control of Asia Netcom (Hong Kong), a company founded one year ago by a consortium lead by CNC, which included Newbridge Capital and Softbank Asia Infrastructure Fund. In its first year of...

Startup Glimmerglass (Hayward, CA), and Nissho Electronics (Tokyo), a distributor and systems integrator, announced a strategic alliance.(asia)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Startup Glimmerglass (Hayward, CA), and Nissho Electronics (Tokyo), a distributor and systems integrator, announced a strategic alliance in which Nissho will introduce Glimmerglass's photonic-switching subsystems to customers in Japan.

Speer Fiber Optics, Inc.(Distributors)
March 1, 2004... SPEER FIBER OPTICS, INC. 390 Amwell Road, Suite 310, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 PH: 908 359 1173, FAX: 908 359 8305, EMAIL: sales@peerfiberoptics.com, WEB: www.speerfiberoptics.com Distributor of CLETOP connector cleaning...

JDS Uniphase.(Design and Test)
March 1, 2004... JDS UNIPHASE 1768 Automation Parkway, San Jose, CA 95131 PH: 408 546-5000, FX: 408 546-4300, WEB: www.jdsuniphase.com Designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a range of products for the fiber-optic communications...

OCP.(Design and Test)
March 1, 2004... 6101 Variel Avenue Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818-251-7100 tel 818-251-7111 fax sales@ocp-inc.com www.ocp-inc.com OCP designs, manufacturers, and markets fiber-optic components and sub-systems to the metro, enterprise,...

Prior Scientific, Inc.(Design and Test)
March 1, 2004... 80 Reservoir Park Drive,, Rockland, MA 02370 PH: 781-878-8442, FX: 781-878-8736, EMAIL: info@pdor.com, WEB: www.prior.com Prior Scientific, Inc., designs and manufactures a full line of fiber optic microscopy inspection...

Metro Ethernet equipment, RPR revenues on the (high) rise.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Worldwide revenue for metro Ethernet equipment topped $2.9 billion last year and is expected to net $7.5 billion by 2007, a 27% CAGR, according to a new study from San Jose, CA-based Infonetics Research. Metro Ethernet equipment ports reached...

Service-provider M&A activity seen heating up this year.(Market Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... After a wave of bankruptcies, North American service providers are well positioned to begin executing mergers and acquisitions this year, most likely in the form of strategic rollups by tier two and smaller service providers and a mega merger...

Fiber capacity still in excess.(Market Watch)
March 1, 2004... Despite reductions in manufacturing capacity and consolidation in the industry, there is still a worldwide excess of fiber capacity, observes KMI Research (Providence) in a new report, "Worldwide Optical Fiber and Cable Markets: Market...

ICs for optoelectronic applications.(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... ICs for Optoelectronic Applications Max Data Modulation Max Bias Supply Rate Current Current Pin- EV Part Voltage (V) (bps)...

System interconnect products.(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... SYSTEM INTERCONNECT PRODUCTS CROSSPOINT SWITCHES Data Supply Supply I/O EV Part Rate (bps) Voltage (V) Current (mA) Levels Kit MAX3640 622M 3.3 78 LVDS ...