Optical network equipment supplier Ekinops has unveiled a new, flexible-rate transponder/muxponder card which allows network operators to quickly and easily double their transport capacity.
The low-cost programmable line card uses an advanced digital signal processor (DSP) combined with Ekinops’ enhanced T-Chip (Transport-on-a-Chip) technology to support both DP-QPSK and 16QAM coherent modulation formats on the same card.
With this capability, operators can double the capacity of any span through a simple software upgrade from a remote network operations centre without having to remove or replace hardware, while at the same time cutting their cost per transported bit in half.
This level of programmability allows the same module to be used for any transport application from metro to ultra-long haul. In 16QAM mode, the module supports distances of up to 1,000km, while in DP-QPSK mode the module reaches up to 10,000km.
Operators also benefit from the ability to spare a single module for multiple applications, helping to keep their operational costs low. With multiprotocol support for 10, 40, and 100 Gigabit Ethernet as well as 8G, 10G and 16G Fibre Channel, OC-192, STM-64, OTU2 and OTU2e in any combination up to the full line rate, the equipment provides the same client service flexibility as it does on the line side.
Flexi-rate technology and 400G are a priority for network operators according to François Xavier Ollivier, COO at Ekinops. ‘Network operators need a faster and easier way to increase bandwidth without increasing network costs, especially on their highest capacity routes,’ he said. ‘The problem for many operators is that some of these routes are long-haul while others are metro, which typically requires having multiple line cards on hand and in inventory. The ability to double the line rate in minutes without having to dispatch a technician provides a compelling value proposition.’
The new module will be available in the third quarter.