CALABASAS, Calif. -- Lynx Photonic Networks (www.LynxPN.com)developer of patented planar waveguide photonic switches and sub-systems, isannouncing the second member of their dynamically-controllable nanosecondclass switch family. The Packet.8x8ä has 8 input ports and 8 output ports, aswitching time of less than 5 nanoseconds, and features strictlynon-blocking operation.

This ultra-fast, dynamically controllable, intelligent switch enablesvirtual port expansion of previously limited high-speed communicationssystems, such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches, high-speed routers and OC-192SONET multiplexers. These applications are accomplished by overcoming thebandwidth and data rate limitations of the existing backplanes of suchsystems. One application example would be the creation of multi-terabitrouter systems through the inter-connection of 8 or more terabit routers(see diagram below). Other application examples include inter- andintra-shelf connectivity, storage area network (SAN) switching, and in thefuture, all-optical frame and packet switching.

"Lynx continues to extend the functionality and capacity of a broad range oflegacy high-speed communications systems with the creation of this increasedport-count Packet.8x8 'virtual optical backplane' (VOB)", commented MichaelLeigh, Lynx President and co-founder, on this new industry breakthrough."The VOB inter-connection can extend the useful life of some very expensiveproduct development initiatives of the past 5 years. Longer-term, thePacket.8x8 can be the cornerstone of all-optical packet switching systems ofthe future."

Lynx Photonic Networks