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2 June 2003 San Jose, CA Lightwave -- Capella Photonics Inc., a provider of dynamically reconfigurable optical subsystems for use in add/drop multiplexers and optical crossconnects, announced the introduction of its 10-port WavePath series of wavelength routing subsystems targeting long haul, regional and metro optical networks.
The introduction of dynamic reconfigurability enables service providers to reduce operating expenses associated with planning and provisioning of DWDM networks by offering remote and dynamic reconfigurability as an alternative to today's traditional, rigid DWDM banded architectures. In addition, reconfigurability reduces inventory costs by eliminating the need for sparing wavelength-specific optical modules.
"One barrier to deployment of photonic switches is cost," said Daryl Inniss, director of the Optical Component Program at RHK, Inc. "Capella's switch subsystems offer numerous integrated functions that translate to a lower cost solution, which is important to optical switch developers."
WavePath, which operates at either 2.5 or 10-Gbit/sec transmission rates, integrates seven typically discreet functions into a single module. Features include multiplexing/demultiplexing, hitless wavelength reconfiguration, dynamic channel equalization (or arbitrary profile), channel power monitoring, wavelength blocking, wavelength connectivity verification, and flexible switching that allows any wavelength to be distributed to any port. Capella is the only vendor to offer 10-fiber ports, i.e., one input, one express output, and 8 service ports. The service ports may be configured as either drop or add depending on the application.
Two members of the WavePath family were announced. The WavePath 4500, intended for metro optical networks, supports up to 45 channels in the C-band at 100-GHz spacing. It was designed from the ground up to address the stringent cost and form factor requirements associated with metro networks. The WavePath 4500 has an form factor of 1.2 x 4.75 x 8.5 in. It will be commercially available in the third quarter of this year for $10,000.
The WavePath 9000, which was designed for long haul and regional applications, supports up to 90 channels in the C-band spaced at either 50 GHz or 100 GHz. The 9000 offers a high performance solution featuring a low insertion loss and a wide passband, both crucial specifications for long haul applications. Also available in the third quarter of this year, it will be priced at $25,000.
Capella has successfully completed seven customer trials in North America and Europe with its WavePath products.
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