OIF prepares for virtual network services

The Optical Internetworking Forum has begun specification work for virtual network services (VNS) that will enable customers of telcos to define their own networks. VNS will enable a user to define a multi-layer network (layer-1 and layer-2, for now) more flexibly than existing schemes such as virtual private networks.

Vishnu Shukla"Here, we are talking about service, and a simple way to describe it [VNS] is network slicing," says OIF president, Vishnu Shukla. "With transport SDN [software-defined networking], such value-added services become available."

The OIF work will identify what carriers and system vendors must do to implement VNS. Shukla says the OIF already has experience working across multiple networking layers, and is undertaking transport SDN work. "VNS is a really valuable extension of the transport SDN work," says Shukla.

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Arista Networks embeds optics to boost 100 Gig port density

Arista Networks' latest 7500E switch is designed to improve the economics of building large-scale cloud networks.

The platform packs 30 Terabit-per-second (Tbps) of switching capacity in an 11 rack unit (RU) chassis, the same chassis as Arista's existing 7500 switch that, when launched in 2010, was described as capable of supporting several generations of switch design.   

"The CFP2 is becoming available such that by the end of this year there might be supply for board vendors to think about releasing them in 2014. That is too far off."

Martin Hull, Arista Networks

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Effdon Networks extends the 10x10 MSA to 80km

Effdon Networks has demonstrated a 100 Gigabit CFP module with an 80km reach; a claimed industry first. The company has also developed the Qbox, a 1 rack unit (1RU) extended reach platform capable of 400-800 Gigabit-per-second (Gbps) with a reach of 80-200km.

Effdon's CFP does not require the use of external DWDM multiplexing/ demultiplexing and can be added directly onto a router. Source: Effdon Networks

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OFC/NFOEC 2013 product round-up - Part 2

 Second and final part

• Custom add/drop integrated platform and a dual 1x20 WSS module
• Coherent receiver with integrated variable optical attenuator
• 100/200 Gigabit coherent CFP and 100 Gigabit CFP2 roadmaps     
• Mid-board parallel optics - from 150 to over 600 Gigabit.
• 10 Gigabit EPON triplexer 

Add/drop platform and wavelength-selective switches

Oclaro announced an add/drop routing platform for next-generation reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs). The platform, which supports colourless, directionless, contentionless (CDC) and flexible grid ROADMs, can be tailored to a system vendor's requirements and includes such functions as cross-connect switching, arrayed amplifiers and optical channel monitors.

"If we make the whole thing [add/drop platform], we can integrate in a much better way"

Per Hansen, Oclaro

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OFC/NFOEC 2013 product round-up - Part 1

Part 1: Client-side transceivers 

• First CFP2 single-mode and multi-mode transceiver announcements
• Cisco Systems unveils its CPAK module
• 100 Gigabit QSFPs from Kotura and Luxtera
• CFP2 and 40km CFP 10x10 MSA modules
• Infiniband FDR and 'LR4 superset' QSFPs

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ECI Telecom demos 100 Gigabit over 4,600km

• 4,600km optical transmission over submarine cable
• The Tera Santa Consortium, chaired by ECI, will show a 400 Gigabit/ 1 Terabit transceiver prototype in the summer
• 100 Gigabit direct-detection module on hold as the company eyes new technology developments

"When we started the project it was not clear whether the market would go for 400 Gig or 1 Terabit. Now it seems that the market will start with 400 Gig."

Jimmy Mizrahi, ECI Telecom

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Teraxion embraces silicon photonics for its products

Teraxion has become a silicon photonics player with the launch of its compact 40 and 100 Gigabit coherent receivers.

The Canadian optical component company has long been known for its fibre Bragg gratings and tunable dispersion compensation products. But for the last three years it has been developing expertise in silicon photonics and at the recent European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) exhibition it announced its first products based on the technology.

"You don't have this [fabless] model for indium phosphide or silica, while an ecosystem is developing around silicon photonics"

Martin Guy, Teraxion

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